### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maʻărâkâh**, represented by `{{H4634}}`, denotes an **arrangement**, a military **array**, or a **row**. It appears **20 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning encompasses both the concrete formation of an army for battle and the orderly arrangement of items in a sacred context, such as the shewbread in the tabernacle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4634}}` is most frequently used to describe a military line or army. The Philistines and Israelites repeatedly set their forces in order, "army (`maʻărâkâh`) against army (`maʻărâkâh`)" [[1 Samuel 17:21]]. The term carries significant weight in the story of David and Goliath, where Goliath is described as coming "out of the armies (`maʻărâkâh`) of the Philistines" [[1 Samuel 17:23]], and David declares he comes in the name of the "God of the armies (`maʻărâkâh`) of Israel" [[1 Samuel 17:45]]. Beyond warfare, the word is used for sacred arrangements, such as the command to set the shewbread in "two rows (`maʻărâkâh`)" before the LORD [[Leviticus 24:6]] and to build an altar in the "ordered place (`maʻărâkâh`)" [[Judges 6:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of arrangement and conflict:
* `{{H6186}}` **ʻârak** (to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order): As the root verb, it directly relates to the action of forming a `maʻărâkâh`. This is seen when the armies of Israel and the Philistines "had put the battle in array" [[1 Samuel 17:21]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle... war): This term for battle is often used in conjunction with `{{H4634}}`, specifying the purpose of the array. When Israel was defeated, the Philistines slew thousands of the **army** (`maʻărâkâh`) in the field [[1 Samuel 4:2]].
* `{{H2778}}` **châraph** (to defy, reproach): This word highlights the spiritual dimension of the conflict involving Israel's army. Goliath's challenge was a direct act to "defy the armies (`maʻărâkâh`) of Israel" [[1 Samuel 17:10]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4634}}` lies in its application to both divine and human order.
* **Divine Authority in Conflict:** The repeated use in 1 Samuel 17 frames the battle not as a contest between two armies, but as a confrontation with God Himself. Goliath defies the "armies (`maʻărâkâh`) of the living God" ([[1 Samuel 17:26]], [[1 Samuel 17:36]]), making his defeat a vindication of God's honor.
* **Sacred Order:** The use of `{{H4634}}` in Leviticus and Exodus for the arrangement of the shewbread and lamps demonstrates that meticulous order is a principle of worship. The "lamps to be set in order (`maʻărâkâh`)" [[Exodus 39:37]] show that arrangement is a part of holy service.
* **Discipline and Rank:** The term is also associated with military discipline and readiness. The men of war who came to make David king were distinguished by their ability to "keep rank (`maʻărâkâh`)" [[1 Chronicles 12:38]], indicating that a well-ordered force is effective and unified.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4634}}` is a term that signifies order and deliberate arrangement. While most often referring to a military **army** or battle **rank**, its meaning extends to the structured patterns of worship within the Tabernacle. It illustrates that whether on the battlefield or before the altar, proper arrangement is a concept of great importance, reflecting discipline, readiness, and reverence for God.
TRV