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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉtsûwrâh**, represented by `{{H4694}}`, is a term for **fortification** or a **rampart**. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses. Its meaning encompasses a hemming in, which can refer objectively to a mound of siege or subjectively to a rampart of protection. It is most often translated as **fenced city**, **fort**, **munition**, or **strong hold**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4694}}` is consistently used in the context of physical defense and military strategy. It describes the fortified structures central to the security of the kingdom of Judah. For example, during a time of peace, King Asa built **fenced** cities to secure the land [[2 Chronicles 14:6]]. These same cities were later captured by an invading force, demonstrating their strategic value [[2 Chronicles 12:4]]. The word also appears in a list of cities in Judah and Benjamin that were designated as **fenced** cities [[2 Chronicles 11:10]]. In a prophetic context, it is used for **forts** raised by God during a siege [[Isaiah 29:3]] and as **munition** that must be guarded in preparation for an attack [[Nahum 2:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of fortification, defense, and strength:
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to fortify, be strong): This root is used directly with `{{H4694}}` to describe the action of making strong holds secure, as when Rehoboam **fortified** the strong holds [[2 Chronicles 11:11]]. It is also used as a command to be strong and courageous [[Joshua 1:9]].
* `{{H5341}}` **nâtsar** (to guard, protect, maintain): In the call to prepare for battle, the people are commanded to **keep** the munition `{{H4694}}` [[Nahum 2:1]]. This word highlights the active vigilance required to maintain a defense, whether physical or spiritual, such as when one is told to **keep** thy heart with all diligence [[Proverbs 4:23]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr** (to besiege, fortify, inclose): This root, from which `{{H4694}}` is derived, describes the act of hemming in. It is used for both building up a defense and for the hostile act of laying siege against a city, as when God promises to **lay siege** against Jerusalem [[Isaiah 29:3]].
* `{{H6822}}` **tsâphâh** (to observe, await, watch): This word is used alongside `{{H4694}}` in the command to "**watch** the way" [[Nahum 2:1]], connecting the physical fortification to the need for constant observation and preparedness.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4694}}` is tied to themes of security, preparedness, and divine sovereignty.
* **National Security and Providence:** The construction of **fenced** cities is directly linked to periods of "rest" granted by the LORD [[2 Chronicles 14:6]]. This shows that physical fortifications were seen as a tangible part of maintaining God's blessing of peace. The gifting of **fenced** cities was also a significant part of royal inheritance [[2 Chronicles 21:3]].
* **A Call to Vigilance:** In [[Nahum 2:1]], the command to "keep the **munition** `{{H4694}}`" is part of a series of urgent commands to be strong and ready for an imminent threat. This pairs the physical defense with the human responsibility of watchfulness and fortification of power.
* **God as the Ultimate Besieger:** While humans build **forts** for protection, God can also act against them. In [[Isaiah 29:3]], the LORD declares, "I will lay siege against thee... and I will raise **forts** `{{H4694}}` against thee." This demonstrates that no human-made fortification is absolute and that God can overcome any defense as an instrument of His will.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4694}}` is a term that denotes physical, military fortification. Its usage, primarily within the historical accounts of 2 Chronicles, emphasizes the importance of defensive structures like **fenced cities** and **strong holds** for the stability and security of a kingdom. Beyond its literal application, the word underscores the relationship between divine providence and human preparedness, showing that while people build walls, their ultimate security rests in a power beyond any rampart.
TRV