from סָלַל; a thoroughfare (as turnpiked); highway.
Transliteration:maçlûwl
Pronunciation:mas-lool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4547 (מַסְלוּל, *maçlûwl*) derives from the root `{{H5549}}` (סָלַל, *salal*), which fundamentally means "to lift up," "to cast up," or "to exalt." This etymological connection provides insight into the core meaning of *maçlûwl* as a "thoroughfare" or "highway" that is not merely a natural track but a constructed, elevated, or well-prepared path. It denotes a raised or built-up road, cleared of obstacles, designed for significant travel or passage. The emphasis is on a designed and maintained route, distinct from an ordinary path, implying ease of passage and importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *maçlûwl* appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Isaiah, underscoring its specific and profound usage within prophetic literature.
1. **[[Isaiah 40:3]]**: "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'"
Here, *maçlûwl* is used in parallel with `{{H1870}}` (דֶּרֶךְ, *derekh*), "way." The context is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the imminent arrival of the Lord. The "highway" is not for ordinary human travel but is to be prepared "for our God." This preparation involves leveling the terrain, making rough places smooth, and crooked paths straight (as elaborated in the subsequent verses). It signifies the removal of all obstacles, both physical and metaphorical, that might hinder the divine presence or purpose. This verse became foundational for later messianic expectations and was directly applied to the ministry of John the Baptist (e.g., [[Matthew 3:3]], [[Mark 1:3]], [[Luke 3:4-5]], [[John 1:23]]), who prepared the way for Jesus Christ.
2. **[[Isaiah 62:10]]**: "Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Clear out the stones. Raise a banner for the peoples."
In this passage, *maçlûwl* again refers to a "highway," but the context shifts to the return of God's people to Zion. The imperative "build up, build up the highway! Clear out the stones" emphasizes active human participation in preparing this path. It is a call to remove literal and figurative impediments, ensuring a clear and unobstructed route for the returning exiles. This highway is for the redeemed, facilitating their journey back to their homeland, indicative of divine restoration and gathering.
In both occurrences, *maçlûwl* signifies a path that is intentionally prepared, cleared, and made ready for a momentous event—either the advent of the Lord or the restoration of His people. The concept of "building up" and "clearing" is central to its usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of *maçlûwl* is `{{H5549}}` (סָלַל, *salal*), meaning "to lift up," "to cast up," or "to make a highway." This root itself encapsulates the idea of construction and elevation.
Closely related is the term `{{H4561}}` (מְסִלָּה, *mesillah*), also translated as "highway" or "raised way," which shares the same root `{{H5549}}`. *Mesillah* appears more frequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., [[Isaiah 11:16]], [[Isaiah 19:23]], [[Isaiah 35:8]], [[Isaiah 49:11]]), often conveying a similar sense of a prepared or elevated road. While both *maçlûwl* and *mesillah* denote a highway, *maçlûwl* might carry a slightly more emphatic nuance of a specifically constructed and cleared thoroughfare, given its rare and potent usage in Isaiah.
Other related terms include:
* `{{H1870}}` (דֶּרֶךְ, *derekh*): A general term for "way," "path," or "road." It often appears in parallel with *maçlûwl* or *mesillah*, with the latter terms specifying a particular kind of *derekh*—one that is prepared and made accessible.
* `{{H5410}}` (נָתִיב, *nathiyb*): "Path" or "track," often implying a less formal or developed route than a "highway."
The overarching concept is one of preparation, obstacle removal, and making a clear passage, whether for divine purposes or for the movement of God's people.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of *maçlûwl* is profound, particularly due to its placement within Isaiah's prophetic vision:
1. **Divine Imminence and Preparation for God's Coming**: The "highway for our God" in [[Isaiah 40:3]] points to the Lord's sovereign and inevitable arrival. It signifies that the spiritual and physical landscape must be made ready for His presence. This preparation is not merely logistical but speaks to the need for repentance, humility, and the removal of spiritual obstacles in human hearts that hinder communion with a holy God. The subsequent application of this verse to John the Baptist's ministry in the New Testament underscores its messianic significance, highlighting the preparatory work required for the advent of the Messiah.
2. **Redemption and Restoration**: In [[Isaiah 62:10]], the highway symbolizes the divinely ordained path for the return of the exiles to Zion. This speaks to God's faithfulness in gathering His scattered people and His active work in clearing the way for their restoration. It embodies the hope of a secure and unobstructed journey home for the redeemed, a powerful image of salvation and the fulfillment of covenant promises.
3. **Active Participation in God's Plan**: The repeated command to "build up" and "clear out the stones" implies that while God is sovereign, He also calls His people to participate in preparing the way for His purposes. This involves spiritual discipline, removing sin, and actively working to facilitate the spread of His kingdom and the gathering of His people.
4. **Accessibility and Cleansing**: The concept of a "cleared" and "straight" highway emphasizes accessibility. God makes a way where there was none, or where there were impediments. This speaks to His grace and power to overcome all barriers, making Himself accessible to humanity and making the path of return accessible to His people.
### Summary
H4547 (מַסְלוּל, *maçlûwl*) denotes a constructed, elevated, and cleared highway, derived from the root meaning "to lift up" or "to cast up." Though appearing only twice in the Bible, both instances in Isaiah carry immense theological significance. In [[Isaiah 40:3]], it represents the prepared path for the Lord's coming, a concept later fulfilled by John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ. In [[Isaiah 62:10]], it symbolizes the cleared route for the return of God's redeemed people to Zion. In both contexts, *maçlûwl* signifies a divinely commissioned and often humanly prepared thoroughfare, cleared of obstacles, for a momentous divine action or the movement of God's people. It underscores themes of divine imminence, redemption, restoration, and the call for active spiritual preparation and obstacle removal.
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