The Hebrew word mâtsâh, represented by H4680, is a primitive root that means to suck out, drain, or squeeze out. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses, conveying an action of thorough extraction or wringing. The term is applied both literally, such as wringing a wet object completely dry, and figuratively, to describe the complete consumption of divine judgment.
In biblical usage, H4680 appears in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes Gideon wringing dew from a fleece H1492 to confirm God's sign Judges 6:38. It is also used in Levitical law, where the blood H1818 of a sin offering is to be wrung out at the side of the altar H4196 (Leviticus 1:15, Leviticus 5:9). Figuratively, the word illustrates divine judgment. The wicked H7563 of the earth must wring out and drink the dregs from the LORD's cup H3563 Psalms 75:8. In a similar manner, Jerusalem H3389 is addressed as having wrung out the cup of God's fury H2534 Isaiah 51:17, and Ezekiel describes the experience as having to suck it out completely Ezekiel 23:34.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H4680 is used:
- H3563 kôwç (a cup (as a container), often figuratively, a lot (as if a potion)): The cup is a powerful symbol often associated with mâtsâh, representing a portion of divine fury H2534 that must be wrung out and drunk by the wicked Psalms 75:8 or by Jerusalem Isaiah 51:17.
- H1818 dâm (blood): In the context of sacrifices, blood is the substance that is wrung out at the altar H4196, signifying the draining of life required for a sin offering H2403 Leviticus 1:15.
- H1492 gâzzah (a fleece): This word is central to the account of Gideon, who tests God by wringing the dew H2919 from the fleece Judges 6:38. The action of wringing demonstrates the tangible and complete nature of the divine sign.
The theological weight of H4680 is significant, highlighting the exhaustive nature of God's actions.
- The Cup of Judgment: The most powerful theological use of mâtsâh is in the imagery of the cup of God's wrath. The act of wringing it out signifies that none of the judgment can be avoided; it must be consumed to the last drop by the wicked H7563 Psalms 75:8 and by God's people under discipline Isaiah 51:17.
- Completeness in Ritual: In Levitical law, wringing out the blood H1818 of the sacrifice against the altar H4196 was a prescribed part of the ritual Leviticus 5:9. This emphasizes the thoroughness required in the sacrificial system, where the life of the offering is fully given over.
- Thoroughness of Divine Action: Whether in judgment or in providing a sign, mâtsâh implies a complete and exhaustive action. Gideon wrings a bowl H5602 full of water H4325 from the fleece, leaving no doubt about God's message Judges 6:38. Likewise, those who drink the cup of judgment must suck it out, a graphic portrayal of utter desolation Ezekiel 23:34.
In summary, H4680 mâtsâh is a visceral term for completely draining or squeezing out a liquid. It moves from a literal, physical action seen in Gideon's fleece and Levitical sacrifices to a potent metaphor for the totality of an experience, particularly the exhaustive nature of divine judgment. The word consistently communicates a sense of finality and completeness, where nothing is left behind.
TRV