from שָׁאַב; a trough for cattle to drink from; place of drawing water.
Transliteration:mashʼâb
Pronunciation:mash-awb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַשְׁאָב (mash'ab, `{{H4857}}`) is derived from the verbal root שָׁאַב (sha'av, `{{H7579}}`), which means "to draw water." As a noun, mash'ab primarily denotes either a specific *place* where water is drawn, such as a well-curb or a designated area around a water source, or more concretely, a *trough* or receptacle from which drawn water is consumed, particularly by livestock. Its semantic range thus encompasses both the location and the implement associated with accessing and utilizing vital water resources. The core meaning centers on the act of drawing and the subsequent availability of water, a fundamental necessity for life in the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַשְׁאָב (mash'ab, `{{H4857}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the poetic context of the Song of Deborah and Barak:
* **[[Judges 5:11]]**: "From the noise of the archers, in the places of drawing water, there they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of His peasantry in Israel; then the people of the LORD went down to the gates."
In this sole occurrence, mash'ab is pluralized ("places of drawing water"). The verse paints a vivid picture of a perilous situation. Water sources were critical for survival and often vulnerable points in ancient warfare, making them prime targets for ambushes or attacks by "archers." The "noise of the archers" at these water sources signifies danger and conflict. Yet, precisely in these exposed and contested locations, the people of God are depicted recounting and celebrating "the righteous acts of the LORD." This paradoxical setting underscores divine protection and faithfulness even amidst threat. The mash'ab becomes a place not only of physical sustenance but also of spiritual reflection and testimony, transforming a site of potential vulnerability into one of praise for God's deliverance and justice for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of מַשְׁאָב (mash'ab, `{{H4857}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **שָׁאַב (sha'av, `{{H7579}}`)**: The foundational verb meaning "to draw water," highlighting the active process of obtaining this vital resource.
* **בְּאֵר (be'er, `{{H875}}`)**: "Well, pit." This refers to the primary source from which water is drawn, often a deep excavation.
* **מַעְיָן (ma'yan, `{{H4599}}`)**: "Spring, fountain." Another natural source of flowing water.
* **בּוֹר (bor, `{{H953}}`)**: "Cistern, pit." Often a man-made reservoir for collecting and storing rainwater.
* **שֶׂקֶת (seqet, `{{H8268}}`)**: "Trough." This noun specifically denotes a trough, often for watering animals, and is semantically very close to the "trough" aspect of mash'ab. An example is [[Genesis 24:20]], where Rebekah fills the troughs for Abraham's camels.
Conceptually, mash'ab is tied to themes of provision, sustenance, vulnerability, community gathering (as water sources were central to daily life), and divine protection in the face of adversity.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מַשְׁאָב (mash'ab, `{{H4857}}`) in [[Judges 5:11]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Provision amidst Peril**: The "places of drawing water" are inherently symbolic of God's provision for life. Water is a fundamental necessity, and its availability signifies divine care. The fact that these places are threatened by "archers" highlights human vulnerability and the constant need for God's protection. Yet, precisely at these exposed points, the "righteous acts of the LORD" are recounted. This underscores a theology of divine faithfulness that sustains His people even in the midst of danger and scarcity. God's provision is not removed by threat but rather is made manifest within it.
2. **A Site of Witness and Remembrance**: The recounting of God's righteous deeds at the mash'ab transforms a mundane or dangerous location into a sacred space of testimony. It suggests that even the most basic and vulnerable aspects of daily life can become opportunities to remember and celebrate God's saving intervention. This teaches that true worship and remembrance of God's acts are not confined to temples or formal settings but can occur wherever His people gather, even at a humble watering hole.
3. **The Sovereignty of God in All Circumstances**: The juxtaposition of the "noise of the archers" with the "righteous acts of the LORD" demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty. Even where enemies threaten the very sources of life, God's purposes prevail, and His people are sustained and enabled to proclaim His goodness. The mash'ab thus serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is unwavering, providing both physical sustenance and spiritual strength.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַשְׁאָב (mash'ab, `{{H4857}}`) denotes a trough for drawing water or a place where water is drawn, deriving from the root שָׁאַב (sha'av, `{{H7579}}`), "to draw water." Its solitary appearance in [[Judges 5:11]] is remarkably significant. In the Song of Deborah, the "places of drawing water" are depicted as vulnerable to enemy archers, yet it is precisely in these exposed locations that the "righteous acts of the LORD" are recounted. This unique biblical usage imbues mash'ab with rich theological meaning, symbolizing God's steadfast provision for His people even amidst peril and transforming a site of potential danger into a sacred space of testimony and remembrance of His saving deeds. It powerfully illustrates that divine faithfulness sustains life and inspires worship, even in the most basic and threatened aspects of human existence.
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