### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **merchâb**, represented by `{{H4800}}`, signifies an **enlargement** or **open space**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term can be used literally to mean a **large place** or **room**, but it also carries the figurative sense of **liberty** and **breadth**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4800}}` is used to contrast confinement with freedom. When the psalmist calls upon the LORD from **distress** `{{H4712}}`, he is answered and set in a **large place** [[Psalms 118:5]]. This deliverance is portrayed as God bringing someone forth into a **large place** because He **delighted** `{{H2654}}` in them ([[Psalms 18:19]], [[2 Samuel 22:20]]). The concept is further illustrated as God setting one's **feet** `{{H7272}}` in a **large room** `{{H4800}}` rather than being **shut up** `{{H5462}}` in the hand of the **enemy** `{{H341}}` [[Psalms 31:8]]. In a different context, it describes the **breadth** `{{H4800}}` of the **land** `{{H776}}` that the invading **Chaldeans** `{{H3778}}` march through [[Habakkuk 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H4800}}`:
* `{{H4712}}` **mêtsar** (distress, pain, strait): This word, meaning something tight or trouble, is used in direct opposition to `{{H4800}}`. The psalmist calls out from this state of **distress** and is brought into a **large place** [[Psalms 118:5]].
* `{{H2502}}` **châlats** (to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen): This term for deliverance is directly linked with being brought into a **large place** `{{H4800}}`. God **delivered** `{{H2502}}` the psalmist because He delighted in him ([[Psalms 18:19]], [[2 Samuel 22:20]]).
* `{{H5975}}` **ʻâmad** (to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry): This verb for setting or making something stand is used to describe the action of placing someone's feet in a **large room** `{{H4800}}`, solidifying the sense of stability and freedom [[Psalms 31:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4800}}` lies in its dual application as a symbol of both blessing and judgment.
* **Divine Deliverance and Favor:** Most frequently, a **large place** is the result of God's direct intervention. It represents salvation from enemies and distress, a physical and spiritual space of liberty granted to those in whom God **delights** `{{H2654}}` ([[Psalms 18:19]], [[2 Samuel 22:20]], [[Psalms 31:8]]).
* **Vulnerability and Judgment:** The meaning of `{{H4800}}` can be inverted. For a rebellious **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, pictured as a **backsliding heifer** `{{H6510}}`, being fed like a **lamb** `{{H3532}}` in a **large place** implies isolation and exposure, not security [[Hosea 4:16]].
* **Territory for Conquest:** In a military context, the **breadth** `{{H4800}}` of a land represents its vulnerability to a conquering force acting as an agent of judgment, such as the **Chaldeans** `{{H3778}}` who march through to **possess** `{{H3423}}` dwelling places [[Habakkuk 1:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4800}}` is more than a simple descriptor of physical dimensions. It is a powerful symbol of one's condition in relation to God. For the faithful, it is a **large place** of freedom and security, a tangible expression of divine favor and deliverance. For the rebellious, that same open space becomes a place of exposure, vulnerability, and judgment, a territory to be overrun by enemies.
TRV