or מִס; from מָסַס; properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor; discomfited, levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maç**, represented by `{{H4522}}`, describes a burden, specifically a tax in the form of forced labor. It appears **23 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible. The term encompasses the concepts of a levy of conscripted workers, a tribute paid by a subjugated people, and the state of being discomfited or forced into servitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4522}}` is used in several key contexts. It is the basis for King Solomon's massive public works projects, where he **raised** a **levy** `{{H4522}}` from all Israel to build the house of the LORD and his own house ([[1 Kings 5:13]], [[1 Kings 9:15]]). It also defines the status of conquered peoples, as the Israelites put the Canaanites to **tribute** `{{H4522}}` once they became strong, forcing them into service ([[Joshua 17:13]], [[Judges 1:28]]). In Egypt, the term is used to describe the **taskmasters** (`{{H4522}}` `{{H8269}}`) set over Israel to afflict them [[Exodus 1:11]]. In a state of judgment, the great city of Jerusalem is described as having become **tributary** `{{H4522}}`, a symbol of its downfall [[Lamentations 1:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of forced labor and subjugation:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (a head person...-task-)master, prince...ruler): This word for a ruler or official is combined with `{{H4522}}` to form the title **taskmasters**, the authorities who were set over the Israelites in Egypt to enforce the labor [[Exodus 1:11]].
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to work...serve...enslave): This verb describes the action performed by those under tribute. Conquered peoples who become **tributaries** `{{H4522}}` are then forced to **serve** their conquerors ([[Deuteronomy 20:11]], [[Joshua 16:10]]).
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend...levy, raise): This verb is used for the act of imposing the tribute. King Solomon is said to **levy** `{{H5927}}` a tribute of bondservice upon the remaining children of the land whom Israel could not destroy [[1 Kings 9:21]].
* `{{H5450}}` **çᵉbâlâh** (porterage; burden): This word for a physical burden is directly linked to the tribute system. The taskmasters in Egypt afflicted the Israelites with their **burdens** `{{H5450}}` as part of the forced labor [[Exodus 1:11]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H4522}}` carries significant weight, illustrating principles of power, labor, and consequence.
* **Instrument of State Power:** The ability to impose a **levy** `{{H4522}}` was a primary tool of kings. An official "over the tribute" was a key position in the royal administrations of David and Solomon ([[2 Samuel 20:24]], [[1 Kings 4:6]]).
* **The Price of Defeat:** Becoming **tributary** `{{H4522}}` was the standard consequence of being conquered or failing to drive out the inhabitants of the land ([[Judges 1:28]], [[Judges 1:30]]).
* **A Condition of Humiliation:** The word is associated with a loss of status and freedom. Jacob's prophecy foretells that Issachar would become "a servant unto **tribute**" [[Genesis 49:15]], and Proverbs warns that the slothful "shall be under **tribute**" [[Proverbs 12:24]].
* **A Source of Social Unrest:** The tribute was a significant hardship on the people. The overseer of the **tribute**, Adoram, was stoned to death by the people of Israel, triggering the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam [[1 Kings 12:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4522}}` is far more than a simple term for taxation. It represents the harsh reality of forced labor, a system used by kings to build their empires and a condition imposed upon the defeated. From the oppressive **taskmasters** in Egypt to the great **levy** of Solomon, the word defines a crucial aspect of authority, subjugation, and the immense human cost of royal ambition in the biblical world.
TRV