### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâtsôwr**, represented by `{{H4693}}`, is defined as fortified places, defense, or besieged places. It is also understood in the sense of a limit, specifically referencing Egypt as the border of Palestine. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently relating to concepts of military security and strategic locations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4693}}` denotes areas of significant defensive strength. In both [[2 Kings 19:24]] and the parallel account in [[Isaiah 37:25]], the king of Assyria boasts of drying up "all the rivers of the **besieged places**" as a show of absolute conquest. The word is used in a prophecy against Egypt, where the "brooks of **defence**" are predicted to be emptied and dried up [[Isaiah 19:6]]. In [[Micah 7:12]], the word appears twice to describe people coming from Assyria and from the "**fortified** cities," and from the "**fortress** even to the river," emphasizing its meaning as a military stronghold.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H4693}}` is used:
* `{{H2975}}` **yᵉʼôr** (brook, flood, river, stream): This word, specifically associated with the Nile, is used for the "brooks" and "rivers" connected to the defenses of `{{H4693}}`. These water channels are the targets of conquest in [[Isaiah 19:6]] and [[Isaiah 37:25]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city, town): This term for a city is directly modified by `{{H4693}}` in [[Micah 7:12]] to describe "**fortified** cities," indicating places of high security and military importance.
* `{{H2717}}` **chârab** (to desolate, destroy, (be) dry (up)): This verb is used to describe the fate of the defenses and rivers associated with `{{H4693}}`. The "brooks of defence" are "dried up" [[Isaiah 19:6]], and an invading king boasts that he has "dried up" the rivers of the besieged places [[2 Kings 19:24]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4693}}` can be seen in several key themes drawn from its occurrences:
* **Symbol of Military Strength:** The term consistently represents the pinnacle of human-engineered security, such as a "fortress" or "fortified cities" [[Micah 7:12]]. These places are symbols of national power and defense.
* **The Vulnerability of Human Defenses:** The contexts in Isaiah and 2 Kings demonstrate that these strongholds are not invincible. A key sign of their defeat is the control and drying up of their vital water sources, the "rivers of the besieged places" ([[Isaiah 37:25]], [[2 Kings 19:24]]).
* **Geopolitical Significance:** `{{H4693}}` is linked to major powers like Egypt and Assyria. Its base definition connects it to Egypt as a border, and its occurrences are in prophecies or narratives involving these empires, highlighting its use in contexts of international conflict and conquest ([[Micah 7:12]], [[Isaiah 19:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4693}}` signifies more than a physical structure; it represents the concept of a fortified, secure place, often in a military context. Its usage highlights the strategic importance of defenses and their associated resources, like rivers. The word is consistently used to frame a conflict where human strength, embodied by a "fortress" or "besieged places," is ultimately shown to be vulnerable to a greater power.
TRV