feminine of מִשְׁלוֹחַ; a mission, i.e. (abstractly and favorable) release, or (concretely and unfavorable) an army; discharge, sending.
Transliteration:mishlachath
Pronunciation:mish-lakh'-ath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מִשְׁלַחַת (mishlachath, `{{H4917}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root שׁלח (shalach, `{{H7971}}`), which fundamentally means "to send," "to stretch out," or "to let go." As a noun, mishlachath encapsulates the outcome or object of this sending action. Its semantic range is notably broad, requiring careful contextual analysis for precise understanding.
The base definition provided indicates several key nuances:
* **"A mission":** This refers to something or someone dispatched for a specific purpose or task.
* **"Release" / "Discharge":** This abstract and often favorable sense emphasizes the act of letting go, setting free, or sending away without restraint.
* **"An army":** This concrete and frequently unfavorable sense denotes a military contingent or detachment that has been "sent out" for battle or a specific military objective. It highlights the active deployment of a force.
* **"Sending":** A general term for the act or process of dispatching or commissioning.
Thus, mishlachath can describe an abstract act of dispatch, a benevolent release, a punitive expulsion, or a concrete group of individuals on a task, ranging from a diplomatic delegation to a military force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
מִשְׁלַחַת (mishlachath, `{{H4917}}`) appears in a few significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each illustrating its diverse applications:
* **[[2 Samuel 5:24]]**: "And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike the מִשְׁלַחַת of the Philistines."
* Here, מִשְׁלַחַת clearly refers to a "detachment" or "army" of the Philistines. This usage aligns with the concrete and often "unfavorable" sense of a military force sent for combat, representing a threat to Israel.
* **[[2 Kings 6:23]]**: "So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away; and they went to their master. So the raiding bands of Aram stopped coming into the land of Israel."
* In this passage, after the Aramean raiders are miraculously blinded and brought to Samaria by Elisha, the king of Israel "sends them away" (וַיְשַׁלְּחֵם). The word מִשְׁלַחַת here signifies a "discharge" or "sending away" that is benevolent and leads to peace. This exemplifies the "abstract and favorable" sense of release.
* **[[Psalm 78:49]]**: "He sent among them burning anger, fury, and indignation, and trouble, a מִשְׁלַחַת of destroying angels."
* This verse describes God's judgment upon Egypt through the plagues. מִשְׁלַחַת here denotes a "company" or "delegation" of angels dispatched by God for a specific mission of destruction. This highlights the concept of a divine "mission" or "sending" with a concrete, albeit supernatural, agent.
* **[[Isaiah 27:8]]**: "By measure, by מִשְׁלַחַת her away, you contend with her; He removes her with His fierce blast in the day of the east wind."
* This passage speaks of God's judgment and discipline upon Israel, specifically referring to their "sending away" or "exile." The phrase בְּשַׁלְּחָהּ בְּמִשְׁלַחַת can be understood as "by sending her away, by a sending," emphasizing the act of expulsion. This usage reflects the abstract sense of "sending" or "discharge," but in a punitive, unfavorable context of judgment.
These occurrences collectively demonstrate the versatility of mishlachath, ranging from human military forces to divine agents, and from acts of liberation to acts of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of מִשְׁלַחַת (mishlachath, `{{H4917}}`) is significantly enriched by examining its relationship to its root and other derivative terms:
* **Root שׁלח (shalach, `{{H7971}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to send," "to stretch out," "to let go." This root is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, forming the conceptual basis for all derivatives.
* **מִשְׁלוֹחַ (mishloach, `{{H4916}}`):** The masculine counterpart of mishlachath, also meaning "sending" or "a dispatch." For example, in [[Esther 9:19]], it refers to "sending portions" (gifts). The semantic overlap is significant, with mishlachath often specifying the feminine noun form of the action or object.
* **שָׁלִיחַ (shaliach, `{{H7973}}`):** A "messenger," "envoy," or "delegate." This noun refers to the *person* who is sent, embodying the mission or purpose of the sender. The concept of a *shaliach* carries significant legal and theological weight, implying the full authority of the one who sent them.
* **שִׁלּוּחִים (shilluchim, `{{H7964}}`):** "Sending away," "dismissal," particularly in the context of divorce. This term highlights the "letting go" or "discharge" aspect of the root, often with a sense of finality.
The common conceptual thread uniting these words is the intentional act of dispatching, releasing, or commissioning. This framework illuminates the various ways in which mishlachath describes an entity or action that originates from a sender and moves towards a specific purpose or destination.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מִשְׁלַחַת (mishlachath, `{{H4917}}`) is deeply rooted in its portrayal of God's active and purposeful involvement in the world.
1. **Divine Agency and Sovereignty:** The most profound use of mishlachath is seen in [[Psalm 78:49]], where God "sends" a company of destroying angels. This powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to dispatch agents, both human and supernatural, to execute His will. It underscores that nothing occurs outside of His ultimate permission or design.
2. **Instruments of Judgment and Discipline:** In [[Isaiah 27:8]], the "sending away" signifies God's judgment and disciplinary action against His people, leading to exile. This demonstrates that God's "sendings" are not always benevolent but can be instruments of righteous wrath and covenant enforcement, aimed at correction or purification.
3. **Means of Deliverance and Peace:** Conversely, the "sending away" in [[2 Kings 6:23]] results in the cessation of hostilities and a form of peace. While this act is performed by a human king, it reflects a broader biblical principle of release and reconciliation that aligns with God's character as a deliverer and peacemaker.
4. **Purposeful Action in History:** Across its various applications, mishlachath consistently implies a deliberate and purposeful action. Whether it is an army sent to fight, angels sent to destroy, or a people sent into exile, there is always an objective behind the "sending." This resonates with the biblical narrative of a God who acts with intention throughout history, orchestrating events and dispatching agents to fulfill His overarching redemptive and sovereign plan.
Thus, mishlachath reveals a dynamic and active God who is intimately involved in the affairs of creation, executing His purposes through various forms of "sending."
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִשְׁלַחַת (mishlachath, `{{H4917}}`), derived from the root שׁלח (shalach, `{{H7971}}`), is a versatile feminine noun signifying "a mission," "sending," "discharge," or "release." Its precise meaning is context-dependent, ranging from the abstract concept of "sending away" (e.g., a benevolent discharge in [[2 Kings 6:23]] or a punitive expulsion in [[Isaiah 27:8]]) to the concrete reality of a "detachment" or "army" (e.g., the Philistine army in [[2 Samuel 5:24]]) or even a "company" of divine agents (e.g., destroying angels in [[Psalm 78:49]]).
Theologically, mishlachath underscores God's active sovereignty and purposeful engagement with His creation. It illustrates that God is not passive but continually "sends" forth agents, circumstances, or judgments to accomplish His will, demonstrating His control over all aspects of existence and His commitment to His divine plan.
TRV