### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mishkan**, represented by `{{H4907}}`, is a term for a **residence** or **habitation**. Its Aramaic usage corresponds to the Hebrew word מִשְׁכָּן. This word is extremely rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, marking a very specific reference.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H4907}}` occurs in the book of Ezra. It is found in a decree from a king who is sending offerings to the God of Israel. The verse specifies the purpose is "to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose **habitation** is in Jerusalem" [[Ezra 7:15]]. Here, **mishkan** precisely identifies Jerusalem as the earthly dwelling place of God, the designated location for these sacred gifts.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context help illuminate the meaning of God's **habitation**:
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God): The term defines the **habitation** as belonging to a divine being, specifically the God of Israel.
* `{{H3390}}` **Yᵉrûwshâlêm** (Jerusalem): This word pinpoints the geographic location of the **habitation**, anchoring the divine residence to a specific city on earth.
* `{{H2987}}` **yᵉbal** (to bring; carry): This action word establishes that the **habitation** is a destination, a place to which valuable offerings like silver and gold are brought.
* `{{H5069}}` **nᵉdab** (be (or give) liberal(-ly)): This indicates that offerings for God's **habitation** were given freely, showing the nature of the worship and tribute associated with this place.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single appearance, the theological weight of `{{H4907}}` in its context is significant:
* **A Localized Divine Presence:** The word is used to affirm that the God of Israel has a specific, earthly **habitation** in Jerusalem. This was a crucial concept for the post-exilic community [[Ezra 7:15]].
* **Center for Worship:** The **habitation** serves as the proper destination for offerings. The decree directs the transport of precious metals to this location, establishing it as the recognized center for honoring the God of Israel [[Ezra 7:15]].
* **Gentile Recognition:** The term is used within a decree by a non-Israelite king. This demonstrates a foreign power's official acknowledgment of both the God of Israel and His specific dwelling place, to which they contribute resources [[Ezra 7:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4907}}` **mishkan** provides a concise and powerful reference to God's dwelling place. Though it appears only once, its context in [[Ezra 7:15]] is rich, defining Jerusalem as the **habitation** of the God of Israel and the rightful recipient of sacred offerings, an acknowledgment made even by a foreign king and his court.
TRV