from קָצַץ; end; Makats, a place in Palestine; Makaz.
Transliteration:Mâqats
Pronunciation:maw-kats'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4739, transliterated as Mâqats (מָקַץ), is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its base definition indicates derivation from the root `{{H7082}}` (qatsats), which carries the core meaning of "to cut off," "to end," "to be cut short," or "to determine." Therefore, the name "Makaz" (as it appears in English translations) likely signifies a place associated with an "end," a "boundary," a "cut-off point," or perhaps a place where something was "determined" or "fixed." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its identity as a specific geographical location, with its etymological roots providing an interpretive layer regarding its possible characteristics or function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Mâqats (Makaz) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Kings:
* [[1 Kings 4:9]]: "Ben-Dekar in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elonbeth-hanan."
This verse is part of a list detailing Solomon's twelve district governors, each responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household for one month out of the year. Ben-Dekar was the governor assigned to the district that included Makaz, along with Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elonbeth-hanan. The inclusion of Makaz in this administrative list indicates its status as a significant town or a key location within one of Solomon's twelve administrative districts. While its precise geographical location remains uncertain to modern scholars, its association with other known towns like Beth-shemesh suggests it was situated in the western part of Judah or the Shephelah region. The context highlights the sophisticated administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom, designed to ensure the continuous supply of resources for the royal court. Makaz, therefore, was not merely a place but an integral part of the economic and logistical framework of the Israelite monarchy during its golden age.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H4739 is its root, `{{H7082}}` (qatsats). This root appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, often conveying ideas of cutting, ending, or determining. For example, it can refer to cutting off hair or a limb, or metaphorically, to cutting off life or a nation. The connection of Makaz to this root suggests that the place may have been located at a physical "end" or "boundary" of a territory, or perhaps it was a strategic point where a "decision" or "determination" was made regarding land, resources, or administration.
Other related concepts include the broader administrative system of Solomon's kingdom, characterized by its division into twelve districts (cf. [[1 Kings 4:7-19]]). This system reflects a period of organized governance and economic prosperity. The mention of Makaz also connects to the concept of royal provisions and the logistical demands of a burgeoning empire, illustrating the practicalities of maintaining a powerful and opulent court.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, Makaz does not carry direct theological significance in the same manner as terms like "covenant" or "holiness." However, its inclusion in the biblical narrative, particularly within the detailed description of Solomon's reign, contributes to a broader theological understanding of divine order and the historical outworking of God's promises.
The meticulous record-keeping of the districts and their governors underscores the divine interest in the details of human governance and the establishment of an ordered society. Solomon's reign, characterized by peace, prosperity, and wisdom, is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of the messianic kingdom. The administrative efficiency, of which Makaz was a part, reflects a period of stability and abundance, which God had promised to His people under faithful leadership. The very existence of such a detailed administrative structure points to a divinely ordained order for the nation of Israel. Even seemingly mundane geographical and administrative details serve to authenticate the historical narrative and illustrate the fulfillment of God's blessings upon His people during this particular era. The name's potential meaning ("end" or "boundary") could subtly hint at the established boundaries and order that God had set for His people and their land.
### Summary
Mâqats (H4739), or Makaz, is a proper noun identifying a specific place in ancient Israel. Derived from the root `{{H7082}}` ("to cut off," "to end," "to determine"), its name likely refers to a location at a boundary or an administrative endpoint. It appears once in [[1 Kings 4:9]], listed as part of an administrative district under one of Solomon's twelve governors responsible for providing royal provisions. This singular occurrence places Makaz within the context of Solomon's well-organized and prosperous kingdom, highlighting the detailed historical record of the era. While lacking direct theological significance as a term, its inclusion contributes to the broader understanding of divine order in human governance and the historical fulfillment of God's blessings during a significant period of Israelite history.
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