or מְצֻרָה; feminine of מָצוֹר; a hemming in, i.e. (objectively) a mound (of siege), or (subjectively) a rampart (of protection), (abstractly) fortification; fenced (city, fort, munition, strong hold.
Transliteration:mᵉtsûwrâh
Pronunciation:mets-oo-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מְצוּרָה (mᵉtsûwrâh, `{{H4694}}`) is derived from the root צוּר (ṣûr), which carries the core meaning of "to bind," "to enclose," or "to besiege." As a feminine noun, מְצוּרָה specifically denotes something that encloses or is enclosed, leading to a dual semantic range:
1. **Offensive/Siege-related:** Referring to a "mound" or "siege work" erected by an attacking army to surround and overcome a city. This emphasizes the act of "hemming in" an enemy.
2. **Defensive/Protective:** Referring to a "rampart," "fortification," "stronghold," or "fenced city." Here, the enclosure provides protection and security.
Thus, מְצוּרָה can describe both the means of assault and the object of defense, highlighting its connection to military architecture and strategy. It encompasses the abstract concept of "fortification" as well as the concrete structures themselves.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְצוּרָה appears in various contexts, primarily in prophetic and historical books, underscoring its dual nature:
* **As a Defensive Fortification:** In [[2 Kings 19:25]] and its parallel [[Isaiah 37:26]], the Lord declares that He has preordained the desolation of "fenced cities" (מְצוּרָה), indicating their perceived impregnability. Similarly, [[Psalm 89:40]] speaks of God breaking down the "strongholds" (מְצוּרָה) of His enemies, emphasizing their protective function. [[Nahum 3:11]] refers to Nineveh's "fortifications" (מְצוּרָה) being plundered. In [[Lamentations 2:2]], the Lord is depicted as having thrown down the "strongholds" (מְצוּרָה) of Judah, a poignant image of divine judgment against a once-secure nation.
* **As a Place of Confinement/Security:** Jeremiah is described as being "confined in the court of the guard" (מְצוּרָה) in [[Jeremiah 32:2]], with [[Jeremiah 32:5]] further clarifying this as a "fortification" or "stronghold" where he was held. This highlights the enclosing aspect of the word, whether for protection or imprisonment.
* **As a Siege Mound/Offensive Structure:** In [[Jeremiah 33:4]], houses in Jerusalem are described as being broken down to provide material for "siege mounds" (מְצוּרָה) and for defense against the Chaldeans. This verse clearly illustrates the use of the term for structures built *by* attackers, or for defensive measures in the face of a siege.
The versatility of מְצוּרָה showcases its adaptability to describe both the offensive and defensive aspects of ancient warfare, always retaining the core sense of an enclosing or enclosed structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
מְצוּרָה (mᵉtsûwrâh, `{{H4694}}`) is intimately linked to a family of words derived from the same root צוּר (ṣûr):
* **מָצוֹר (māṣôr, `{{H4692}}`):** This masculine noun is the direct counterpart, meaning "siege" (the act) or "fortress" (the place). It often appears in conjunction with מְצוּרָה or in similar contexts of warfare and strongholds.
* **צוּר (ṣûr, `{{H6697}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to bind," "to besiege," or "to enclose." As a noun, it also means "rock" or "fortress," often used metaphorically for God as a divine protector.
* **בָּצוּר (bāṣûr, `{{H1219}}`):** An adjective meaning "fortified," "inaccessible," or "fenced," describing the state of a city or place that has מְצוּרָה.
* **מִבְצָר (mibṣār, `{{H4013}}`):** Another common noun for "fortress" or "stronghold," often used interchangeably with מְצוּרָה or in the phrase "עִיר מִבְצָר" (ʿîr mibṣār), "fortified city."
These terms collectively paint a picture of ancient military realities, where cities relied on physical fortifications for security, and enemies employed siege works to overcome them. The concept of strength, security, and strategic enclosure undergirds all these related words.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְצוּרָה (mᵉtsûwrâh) primarily revolves around the contrast between human strength and divine sovereignty. While fortifications represent humanity's attempt to establish security and control, the biblical narrative consistently demonstrates that these human endeavors are ultimately subject to God's will:
* **God's Overriding Power:** Numerous passages, particularly in the prophets, show God's ability to dismantle even the most formidable human מְצוּרָה. [[Isaiah 37:26]] explicitly states that it is God who determines the fate of "fenced cities," indicating that human fortifications are no match for divine decree. This serves as a powerful reminder that true security does not lie in physical defenses but in the Lord.
* **Judgment and Desolation:** The destruction of מְצוּרָה is often depicted as an act of divine judgment against rebellious nations or a disobedient Israel. [[Lamentations 2:2]] is a stark example, portraying God Himself as the one who throws down Judah's strongholds, signifying the complete cessation of His protection due to sin.
* **Misplaced Trust:** Implied in the destruction of these strongholds is a critique of misplaced trust. When nations or individuals rely solely on their physical defenses rather than on God, their presumed security becomes a target for divine wrath.
* **Contrast with Divine Fortress:** In contrast to the vulnerable human מְצוּרָה, God Himself is frequently described as a "rock" (צוּר - `{{H6697}}`) or "fortress" (מִבְצָר - `{{H4013}}`, often related to the same root), providing an unassailable refuge for those who trust in Him. This theological parallel elevates the concept of divine protection above any earthly fortification.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְצוּרָה (mᵉtsûwrâh, `{{H4694}}`) precisely describes a strong, enclosed structure, encompassing both a "siege mound" built for offensive purposes and a "rampart" or "fortification" for defense. Its semantic range highlights the dual aspects of enclosure: for assault or for protection. Biblical occurrences consistently place מְצוּרָה in contexts of warfare, city defense, and strategic confinement, often alongside related terms like מָצוֹר (māṣôr, `{{H4692}}`) and מִבְצָר (mibṣār, `{{H4013}}`). Theologically, מְצוּרָה serves as a powerful symbol of human strength and security, which, though formidable, is ultimately subordinate to the sovereign power of God. The fate of these human fortifications, whether built up or torn down, reveals God's control over nations and His capacity to judge or protect, underscoring that true and lasting security is found not in human constructs but in divine faithfulness.
TRV