The Hebrew word Mâqats, represented by H4739, primarily identifies Makaz, a place in Palestine. The word itself is derived from a root meaning "end." It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single biblical reference to H4739 is found in a list detailing the administrative officers of King Solomon. Makaz is mentioned as a location within the second of twelve districts responsible for provisioning the king's household. This district was managed by an official identified as "the son of Dekar" 1 Kings 4:9.
Several related words appear alongside Makaz, helping to define its geographical and administrative context:
- H1128 Ben-Deqer (son of piercing (or of a lance); Ben-Deker, an Israelite; the son of Dekar): The name used for the officer in charge of the district that included Makaz 1 Kings 4:9.
- H1857 Deqer (a stab; Deker, an Israelite; Dekar): The name of the father of the official who governed the region of Makaz 1 Kings 4:9.
- H8169 Shaʻalbîym (fox-holes; Shaalbim or Shaalabbin, a place in Palestine; Shaalabbin, Shaalbim): A town listed with Makaz as part of the same administrative territory 1 Kings 4:9.
- H1053 Bêyth Shemesh (house of (the) sun; Beth-Shemesh, a place in Palestine; Beth-shemesh.): Another town located within the same district as Makaz 1 Kings 4:9.
- H358 ʼÊylôwn Bêyth Chânân (oak-grove of (the) house of favor; Elon of Beth-chanan, a place in Palestine; Elon-bethhanan): A location also included in the territory overseen by the son of Dekar 1 Kings 4:9.
The significance of H4739 is entirely geographical and historical rather than theological.
- Administrative District: Makaz's sole mention places it within one of the twelve administrative districts established to provision Solomon's royal household 1 Kings 4:9.
- Regional Grouping: It is listed with other locations such as Shaalbim and Bethshemesh, helping to define a specific geographical territory in ancient Israel under Solomon's rule 1 Kings 4:9.
- Solomonic Era Context: The reference to Makaz is tied directly to the highly organized administration of King Solomon, specifically under the governance of "the son of Dekar" 1 Kings 4:9.
In summary, H4739 is not a conceptual term but a specific geographical marker. Its single appearance as Makaz serves a purely administrative purpose in the biblical record, identifying a location within one of King Solomon's districts. The word's significance is derived entirely from this singular context, fixing it in the history of Israel's unified monarchy.
TRV