from שָׁמַר; a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely); diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch.
Transliteration:mishmâr
Pronunciation:mish-mawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4929 (מִשְׁמָר, mishmâr) derives from the root שָׁמַר (shamar, `{{H8104}}`), which primarily means "to guard, watch, keep, preserve, observe." As a noun, mishmâr extends this core meaning to encompass various facets related to the act, place, or object of guarding. Its semantic range is notably broad, reflecting the multifaceted nature of "keeping" or "watching" in ancient Israelite life.
Key nuances include:
1. **A Guard or Watch:** Referring to the individual or group responsible for guarding, watching, or keeping a post. This can be a literal watchman or a division of duty, such as a priestly or Levitical "watch" or "ward."
2. **A Place of Guarding/Confinement:** Specifically, a prison, dungeon, or a place of custody where someone is kept under guard. This highlights the restrictive aspect of being "kept."
3. **An Obligation, Ordinance, or Charge:** Something that is to be "kept" or "observed," often referring to divine commands, statutes, customs, or a specific duty. This usage emphasizes adherence and faithfulness.
4. **A Deposit or Trust:** Figuratively, something entrusted to another for safekeeping, implying a responsibility to guard or preserve it honestly.
5. **Diligence or Careful Keeping:** The abstract quality of being watchful, attentive, or precise in one's duties or observations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mishmâr appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Place of Custody/Prison:** This is a prominent usage, particularly in the Pentateuch and prophetic literature. Joseph is placed in "the prison" (mishmâr) of the captain of the guard in [[Genesis 40:3]], and later the chief butler and baker are put into the same "custody" (mishmâr) in [[Genesis 40:4]]. A man found gathering sticks on the Sabbath was put in "custody" (mishmâr) pending divine instruction in [[Numbers 15:34]]. Jeremiah is repeatedly confined to the "court of the guard" (mishmâr) in [[Jeremiah 32:2]], [[Jeremiah 37:21]], and [[Jeremiah 38:6]], underscoring the political and punitive dimension of this term.
* **Guard/Watch (Person or Group):** In the context of temple service and city defense, mishmâr refers to assigned duties. Nehemiah speaks of setting "guards" (mishmâr) at the gates of Jerusalem in [[Nehemiah 7:3]]. The Levites and priests are frequently described as having "charges" or "watches" (mishmâr) for the service of the house of God, as seen in [[1 Chronicles 9:23]], [[1 Chronicles 23:32]], and [[2 Chronicles 13:11]]. This highlights the organized, rotational nature of their sacred duties. Ezekiel specifies the "charge" (mishmâr) of the house for the priests and Levites in [[Ezekiel 40:45]] and [[Ezekiel 44:8]], emphasizing their responsibility for the sanctity of the temple.
* **Obligation/Ordinance/Custom:** This usage is central to the covenant relationship. Israel is commanded to keep the "charge" (mishmâr) of the Lord in [[Leviticus 18:30]], referring to His statutes and judgments. The Levites are given the "charge" (mishmâr) of the tabernacle in [[Numbers 1:53]] and [[Numbers 3:7]], signifying their responsibility for its upkeep and sanctity. The Israelites were to keep the "charge" (mishmâr) of the Lord, His commandments, and His statutes as a perpetual statute throughout their generations, as in [[Numbers 9:19]] and [[Numbers 9:23]]. King David instructs Solomon to keep the "charge" (mishmâr) of the Lord, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes in [[1 Kings 2:3]]. This denotes the faithful observance of divine law and established practices.
* **Deposit/Trust:** In [[Leviticus 5:21]] (often rendered as 6:2 in English Bibles), mishmâr refers to a "deposit" or "trust" that someone has given to another, which, if denied, constitutes a trespass against the Lord. This usage underscores the ethical dimension of safeguarding what has been entrusted.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for mishmâr is its verbal root, שָׁמַר (shamar, `{{H8104}}`), "to guard, keep, watch, preserve." Mishmâr represents the concrete manifestation or result of this act of keeping.
Another closely related noun is מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret, `{{H4931}}`), which also derives from shamar and is often translated similarly as "charge," "duty," "office," or "observance." While mishmâr can refer to the *place* or *group* of guarding, mishmeret often emphasizes the *duty* or *act* of keeping a charge, an ordinance, or a trust. For example, the "charge" of the tabernacle (the duty itself) might be mishmeret, while the "place of custody" would be mishmâr. However, there is significant semantic overlap, and the precise distinction often depends on the specific context.
Concepts related to mishmâr include:
* **Obedience and Faithfulness:** Especially in its usage concerning divine ordinances, mishmâr highlights the imperative for humanity to faithfully keep God's commands.
* **Responsibility and Stewardship:** The idea of a "deposit" or "charge" implies a sacred trust and the duty to manage it responsibly.
* **Holiness and Purity:** The "guarding" of the sanctuary by priests and Levites underscores the need to protect the sacred from defilement and maintain ritual purity.
* **Discipline and Confinement:** The "prison" aspect reflects the consequences of transgression and the need for punitive measures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mishmâr is profound, largely due to its strong connection to the concept of "keeping" God's commandments and the integrity of His worship.
1. **Covenantal Obedience:** When mishmâr refers to God's ordinances or statutes, it underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant. God gives His laws, and Israel is called to "keep" them diligently. This keeping is not merely ritualistic but an expression of loyalty, love, and trust in the divine Lawgiver. Failure to keep mishmâr leads to divine discipline, as seen in the consequences for those who do not keep the Lord's charge (e.g., [[Leviticus 18:30]]).
2. **Sanctity of Divine Institutions:** The "guarding" of the tabernacle and temple by the Levites and priests emphasizes the sacredness of God's dwelling place and the meticulous care required in His service. This mishmâr ensures the purity and order necessary for God's presence to remain among His people. It speaks to the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him.
3. **Human Responsibility and Accountability:** Whether it is a literal prison or a figurative deposit, mishmâr highlights human accountability. Individuals are responsible for what is entrusted to them, whether it is physical property, a sacred duty, or their own conduct in light of divine commands.
4. **Divine Providence (Indirectly):** While mishmâr primarily denotes human action, the underlying root shamar is also used to describe God's "keeping" or "preserving" His covenant, His people, and His promises. Thus, human mishmâr is often a response to, and participation in, God's own faithful keeping.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H4929 (מִשְׁמָר, mishmâr) is a versatile noun derived from the verb שָׁמַר (shamar, `{{H8104}}`), "to guard, keep, watch." Its semantic range encompasses a "guard" (person or group), a "place of custody" or "prison," an "ordinance" or "charge" to be observed, and a "deposit" or "trust." Biblically, mishmâr is frequently employed to describe the confinement of individuals, the specific duties and rotations of temple personnel, and, most significantly, the imperative for Israel to faithfully "keep" or "observe" God's commandments and statutes. Theologically, mishmâr underscores the vital themes of covenantal obedience, the sanctity of divine institutions, and human responsibility and accountability before God, reflecting a profound call to diligent and reverent living in accordance with His will.
TRV