### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **matstsâbâh**, represented by `{{H4675}}`, refers to a **military guard; army, garrison**. It is a specific and infrequently used term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the entirety of scripture. Its meaning is directly tied to the concept of an organized military force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H4675}}` illustrate its use in contexts of military conflict and threat. In 1 Samuel, the **men** `{{H582}}` of a Philistine **garrison** `{{H4675}}` challenge Jonathan `{{H3129}}`, who then declares that the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` has **delivered** `{{H5414}}` them into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[1 Samuel 14:12]]. In Zechariah, the word describes an **army** `{{H4675}}` from which God promises to protect His people. He declares He will **encamp** `{{H2583}}` about His **house** `{{H1004}}` so that no **oppressor** `{{H5065}}` will pass through them again [[Zechariah 9:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the role of a military force:
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): This word is used to describe God's protective action in response to the threatening **army** `{{H4675}}`. In [[Zechariah 9:8]], God promises, "I will **encamp** about mine house because of the army."
* `{{H5065}}` **nâgas** (oppressor): This term defines the character of the military force mentioned in [[Zechariah 9:8]]. The promise is that no **oppressor** `{{H5065}}` will pass through God's people, linking the presence of an army to the threat of oppression.
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (hand): This word, indicating power and control, is used to show the fate of the **garrison** `{{H4675}}`. The LORD delivers the enemy forces into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of Israel, signifying a complete transfer of power [[1 Samuel 14:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4675}}` is tied to God's sovereignty over human power.
* **Divine Control:** The term is used to demonstrate that human military strongholds are subject to God's authority. The **garrison** `{{H4675}}` in [[1 Samuel 14:12]] is not defeated by human might alone, but because the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **delivered** `{{H5414}}` it into Israel's hand.
* **Divine Protection:** In Zechariah, the presence of an **army** `{{H4675}}` serves as the backdrop for God's promise to act as a divine protector for His **house** `{{H1004}}`, ensuring that no **oppressor** `{{H5065}}` will harm His people.
* **Symbol of Opposition:** In both its uses, **matstsâbâh** represents a hostile force that stands in opposition to God's people, requiring either divine intervention for its defeat or divine protection from its threat.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4675}}` is a specific term for a **garrison** or **army**. While rare, its occurrences are significant, framing human military power as a force that is ultimately under God's control. The biblical accounts use this word to highlight God's ability to both overcome enemy strongholds and to provide a shield against threatening armies, reinforcing His supreme authority over all earthly powers.
TRV