### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מָסֹרֶת (mâçôreth, `{{H4562}}`) is derived from the verbal root אָסַר (asar, `{{H631}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to bind, tie, imprison, harness." Consequently, מָסֹרֶת inherently signifies something that binds, a "band" or "bond." Its semantic range extends to any physical object or metaphorical concept that serves to connect, restrain, or secure. It denotes a strong, unyielding attachment or obligation, emphasizing the inescapable nature of what it binds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun מָסֹרֶת (mâçôreth, `{{H4562}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for understanding its precise nuance.
* [[Ezekiel 20:37]]: "And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant."
In this powerful prophetic passage, God addresses the rebellious house of Israel. The phrase "bond of the covenant" (מָסֹרֶת הַבְּרִית) is crucial. It does not refer to a literal physical bond but to the inescapable and binding nature of God's covenant relationship with His people. The preceding phrase, "I will cause you to pass under the rod," likely symbolizes divine scrutiny, discipline, or a shepherd numbering his flock, indicating a process of judgment and purification. Following this, God declares He will "bring them into the bond of the covenant." This signifies that the covenant is not a loose agreement, but a divinely imposed and sovereignly maintained relationship, from which Israel cannot escape. It emphasizes God's initiative and the enduring, demanding, yet ultimately redemptive, nature of His covenant with them, even in the context of their disobedience and subsequent restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding מָסֹרֶת (mâçôreth, `{{H4562}}`) is greatly aided by examining its linguistic family and theological neighbors:
* **Root Verb:** אָסַר (asar, `{{H631}}`) – The foundational verb meaning "to bind, tie, imprison." This root is used extensively for physical binding (e.g., binding a sacrifice in [[Genesis 22:9]], binding a prisoner in [[Judges 16:21]]), but also for metaphorical binding (e.g., binding oneself by an oath). This direct etymological link illuminates מָסֹרֶת as a concrete manifestation of this binding action.
* **Related Nouns:**
* אֵסוּר (esur, `{{H612}}`) – "bond, fetter, imprisonment." Often refers to literal chains or the state of being bound.
* מוֹסֵרָה (moserah, `{{H4147}}`) – "band, bond, fetter." Very similar in meaning and usage to מָסֹרֶת, frequently appearing in parallel with other terms for chains or yokes (e.g., [[Jeremiah 2:20]], [[Jeremiah 5:5]]).
* **Key Concept:** בְּרִית (berith, `{{H1285}}`) – "covenant." The term מָסֹרֶת is directly linked to בְּרִית in [[Ezekiel 20:37]], highlighting the binding, obligatory, and unyielding nature of God's covenant with His people. This connection underscores that God's covenant is not merely an agreement but a divine imposition that creates a profound and inescapable relationship.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מָסֹרֶת (mâçôreth, `{{H4562}}`) in [[Ezekiel 20:37]] carries profound theological weight. It speaks directly to the nature of God's covenant with Israel and, by extension, His relationship with humanity.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative:** The declaration "I will bring you into the bond of the covenant" underscores God's absolute sovereignty. It is not Israel's choice to enter this bond, but God's divine act of bringing them into it. This highlights that salvation and covenant relationship are ultimately God's initiative, not human merit or will.
2. **Inescapable Obligation:** The "bond" signifies an unbreakable and inescapable obligation. Despite Israel's rebellion and unfaithfulness, God's covenant with them remains a binding force. This speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises and the unyielding requirements of His law.
3. **Security and Discipline:** While a "bond" can imply restraint, it also implies security. Israel is bound to God, which means they are eternally His, even through periods of judgment and exile. The passage in Ezekiel indicates that the "rod" of discipline precedes the "bond of the covenant," suggesting that God's discipline is a means to bring His people back into a right, binding relationship with Him.
4. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The use of מָסֹרֶת emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. He binds them to Himself, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes despite their failures.
### Summary
מָסֹרֶת (mâçôreth, `{{H4562}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from אָסַר (asar, `{{H631}}`), meaning "to bind." Its core meaning is a "band" or "bond," signifying something that ties or restrains. Its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 20:37]] is highly significant, where it metaphorically describes the "bond of the covenant" (מָסֹרֶת הַבְּרִית). This usage emphasizes the inescapable, obligatory, and divinely initiated nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores God's sovereign power to bring His people into a secure yet demanding bond, highlighting His unwavering faithfulness and the enduring claims of His covenant despite human rebellion. The word powerfully conveys the idea that God Himself binds His people to His purposes and promises, ensuring their ultimate restoration and accountability within His divine plan.
TRV