from נָסַךְ; properly, a pouring over, i.e. fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e. league; concretely a coverlet (as if poured out); covering, molten (image), vail.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maççêkâh**, represented by `{{H4541}}`, primarily refers to a **molten image** or something made by casting metal. It appears 28 times in 28 unique verses. Derived from a word meaning "a pouring over," its definition extends from the fusion of metal for an idol to the literal sense of a **covering** or **vail**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4541}}` is overwhelmingly associated with idolatry. Its most prominent use describes the golden calf, which the Israelites fashioned as a "molten calf" immediately after their exodus from Egypt [[Exodus 32:4]]. This act is condemned as a swift turning away from God's commands ([[Exodus 32:8]], [[Deuteronomy 9:12]]). Scripture forbids the creation of "molten gods" ([[Exodus 34:17]], [[Leviticus 19:4]]), and a curse is pronounced on any man who makes a "graven or molten image" [[Deuteronomy 27:15]]. In a different context, the word is used metaphorically by Isaiah to describe a "covering" that is too narrow [[Isaiah 28:20]] and a "vail that is spread over all nations" [[Isaiah 25:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the idolatry associated with `{{H4541}}`:
* `{{H5695}}` **ʻêgel** (a (male) calf): This is the specific form of the most infamous "molten image" in Israel's history, the "**calf**" made at Horeb [[Psalms 106:19]].
* `{{H6459}}` **peçel** (an idol; carved (graven) image): This term is frequently paired with `{{H4541}}` to create the phrase "**graven image** and a molten image," encompassing both major forms of man-made idols [[Judges 17:3]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (gods... God): The ultimate sin of creating a `{{H4541}}` is declaring it to be "**gods**," as the Israelites did with the calf [[Exodus 32:4]] and as is forbidden in the law [[Leviticus 19:4]].
* `{{H457}}` **ʼĕlîyl** (idol, no value, thing of nought): A molten image is ultimately a worthless thing, described as a "dumb **idol**" that cannot profit its maker [[Habakkuk 2:18]].
* `{{H6091}}` **ʻâtsâb** (an (idolatrous) image): In Hosea, the people are condemned for making "molten images" of silver and "**idols** according to their own understanding" [[Hosea 13:2]].
* `{{H646}}` **ʼêphôwd** (ephod... an image): A molten image was sometimes part of a larger collection of idolatrous items, created alongside an **ephod** and teraphim in Micah's illicit household shrine [[Judges 18:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4541}}` is centered on the first and second commandments, directly addressing idolatry.
* **Covenant Violation:** The creation of a "molten image" is a primary act of rebellion and a breaking of the covenant. After making the golden calf, the people are said to have "corrupted themselves" and "turned aside quickly" from God's way [[Deuteronomy 9:12]].
* **The Folly of Man-Made Gods:** Scripture emphasizes the foolishness of worshipping something made by human hands. These images are "the work of the craftsmen" [[Hosea 13:2]], and those who trust in them will be "greatly ashamed" [[Isaiah 42:17]].
* **Divine Judgment:** God explicitly commands the destruction of all "molten images" in the land [[Numbers 33:52]]. He promises to "cut off the graven image and the molten image" from the house of false gods [[Nahum 1:14]], and righteous leaders are commended for purging them [[2 Chronicles 34:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4541}}` is a term loaded with theological significance. While it can literally mean a covering or vail, its predominant usage identifies the "molten image" as a symbol of rebellion, covenant-breaking, and the foolishness of idolatry. From the golden calf at Sinai to the idols of the kings, it represents the tangible manifestation of turning away from the living God to worship a lifeless object created by human hands.
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