from שָׁפָה; a stall for cattle (only dual); burden, sheepfold.
Transliteration:mishpâth
Pronunciation:mish-pawth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִשְׁפָּת (mishpâth), Strong's number `{{H4942}}`, is derived from the root שָׁפַת (shâphat), which carries the core meaning "to set, to place, to put." This foundational sense informs the primary definition of מִשְׁפָּת as "a stall for cattle" or a "sheepfold." The word is notably found only in its dual form, מִשְׁפָּתַיִם (mishpâthayim), implying either a pair of stalls or, more likely, a collective enclosure or set of pens. This dual form emphasizes the established, fixed nature of such an animal dwelling. While the base definition also includes "burden," this semantic extension is less directly attested in biblical usage. It likely stems from the root's idea of something "laid down" or "placed," perhaps referring to the contents of a stall or a load. However, in its concrete biblical occurrences, the meaning unequivocally points to an enclosure for livestock, particularly sheep.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מִשְׁפָּת (mishpâth) appears exclusively twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the poetic context of the Song of Deborah in [[Judges 5:16]]. These are the only two instances where this particular word is used, making its analysis highly specific.
In [[Judges 5:16a]], the text reads: "Why did you sit among the sheepfolds (מִשְׁפָּתַיִם), to hear the piping for the flocks?" Here, the "sheepfolds" represent a place of quiet, pastoral life, contrasting sharply with the urgent call to battle against Sisera. The question is rhetorical, lamenting the tribes (specifically Reuben) who chose to remain in their peaceful, domestic settings rather than joining the fight. The "piping for the flocks" further emphasizes the tranquility and routine of shepherd life.
The second occurrence in [[Judges 5:16b]] continues this thought: "Among the sheepfolds (מִשְׁפָּתַיִם) were great searchings of heart." This line deepens the lament, suggesting that the decision to abstain from battle was not made lightly. Within these quiet, contemplative spaces—the sheepfolds—there was significant internal debate and moral wrestling. The "searchings of heart" (חִקְרֵי לֵב, chigrei lev) imply a profound introspection and deliberation, ultimately leading to a choice that isolated them from the unified effort of Israel. The context highlights a tension between personal comfort and communal obligation, played out in the very places of their daily existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root from which מִשְׁפָּת (mishpâth) derives is שָׁפַת (shâphat), meaning "to set, place, put" (related to `{{H8235}}`). This root connection underscores the idea of a fixed, established place.
Other Hebrew words related to enclosures or pastoral life include:
* גְּדֵרָה (g'derah) `{{H1447}}`: "sheepfold" or "enclosure," often referring to a wall or fence.
* נָוֶה (naveh) `{{H5116}}`: "pasture," "dwelling place," or "habitation," often used for shepherds' encampments or sheepfolds.
* מִכְלָא (mikla') `{{H4356}}`: "fold" or "pen," specifically for livestock.
The concept of "sitting among the sheepfolds" also relates to the broader biblical theme of agricultural and pastoral existence, which often serves as a backdrop for divine interaction and human decision-making. In this particular context, it evokes themes of:
* **Indecision and Apathy:** The choice to remain in comfort rather than respond to a divine summons.
* **Domesticity vs. Duty:** The tension between the peaceful routines of home life and the demands of national or spiritual responsibility.
* **Contemplation and Consequence:** The "searchings of heart" that lead to actions (or inactions) with significant repercussions.
### Theological Significance
Though limited in its biblical occurrences, the specific use of מִשְׁפָּת (mishpâth) in [[Judges 5:16]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a poignant symbol of the spiritual and moral choices faced by individuals and communities in times of crisis.
1. **The Call to Action vs. Personal Comfort:** The "sheepfolds" represent a place of security, routine, and personal ease. The lament in Deborah's song highlights the spiritual danger of prioritizing such comfort over the urgent call to participate in God's redemptive work. It underscores the biblical principle that faith often demands stepping out of one's comfort zone and engaging with divine purposes, even when it involves hardship or conflict.
2. **The Weight of Inaction:** The "great searchings of heart" within the sheepfolds suggest that the tribes' decision to remain was not due to ignorance but a deliberate choice. This implies a moral accountability for inaction, even when born of internal deliberation. The passage subtly critiques those who, despite knowing the gravity of the situation, chose a path of passive observation, thereby failing to support their brethren and God's cause.
3. **Divine Expectation of Unity:** The song celebrates the tribes who *did* respond, implicitly contrasting them with those who remained in their sheepfolds. This emphasizes God's expectation of unity and solidarity among His people in the face of common challenges, highlighting that individual choices have communal consequences.
In essence, the "sheepfolds" in Judges become a symbol of a missed opportunity for faithfulness and corporate obedience, a place where critical decisions were made that impacted the course of Israel's history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּת (mishpâth) `{{H4942}}`, derived from the root "to set" or "to place," primarily denotes a "stall for cattle" or "sheepfold." It uniquely appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in its dual form (מִשְׁפָּתַיִם) within [[Judges 5:16]]. In this context, the "sheepfolds" symbolize a place of quiet, pastoral dwelling, contrasting sharply with the call to battle. The passage laments the tribes who remained in these peaceful settings, engaging in "great searchings of heart" rather than joining the fight against Israel's enemies. The theological significance of מִשְׁפָּת, therefore, lies in its representation of the tension between personal comfort and communal duty, highlighting the moral weight of inaction and the divine expectation of unified response to God's call. It serves as a powerful poetic image for the choices made in moments of crisis, underscoring the spiritual implications of prioritizing ease over active participation in God's purposes.
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