from עַיִן and מִשְׁפָּט; fountain of judgment; En-Mishpat, a place near Palestine; En-mishpat.
Transliteration:ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ
Pronunciation:ane mish-pawt'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5880, עֵין מִשְׁפָּט (ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ), is a compound proper noun derived from two significant Hebrew roots: עַיִן (ʻayin `{{H5869}}`) and מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat `{{H4941}}`). The word עַיִן possesses a dual semantic range, referring primarily to "eye" and secondarily to "fountain" or "spring" of water. In the context of place names, its meaning invariably denotes a water source, often a vital oasis in arid regions. The word מִשְׁפָּט is rich in meaning, encompassing "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "custom," or "legal decision." When combined, עֵין מִשְׁפָּט therefore literally translates to "Fountain of Judgment" or "Spring of Justice." This name suggests a location associated with legal proceedings, divine pronouncements, or perhaps a place where significant events of justice or decision-making occurred. The very naming implies a recognition of a place where divine or human authority was exercised in matters of right and wrong.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The geographical location ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ (H5880) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Genesis:
* [[Genesis 14:7]]: "And they returned and came to En-Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon-tamar."
In this sole occurrence, En-Mishpat is explicitly identified as Kadesh. This identification is crucial, as Kadesh (or Kadesh-barnea) is a site of immense significance in Israel's wilderness wanderings, serving as a pivotal encampment and a place where key events unfolded. The context of [[Genesis 14:7]] places En-Mishpat within the narrative of the battle of the kings, specifically during Chedorlaomer's campaign against the rebellious kings of the Jordan plain. Before engaging the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, Chedorlaomer and his allies traverse various territories, striking down peoples, and arrive at En-Mishpat/Kadesh. This suggests its strategic importance as a water source and perhaps a recognized landmark in the ancient Near East. The naming of this specific spring as "Fountain of Judgment" might prefigure its later role in Israel's history, where divine judgments were indeed pronounced (e.g., the judgment on Moses and Aaron for striking the rock at Kadesh in [[Numbers 20:12-13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of H5880 are deeply interwoven with broader biblical themes:
* **עַיִן (ʻayin `{{H5869}}`):** As a common noun, "eye" often symbolizes perception, insight, or divine oversight (e.g., "the eyes of the LORD"). As "fountain" or "spring," it frequently appears in other biblical place names, such as En-Gedi ("Fountain of the Kid" `{{H5872}}`), En-Rogal ("Fountain of the Fuller" `{{H5883}}`), and En-Dor ("Fountain of Dwelling" `{{H5874}}`). These names highlight the vital importance of water sources in the arid biblical landscape and often associate them with local characteristics or historical events.
* **מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat `{{H4941}}`):** This term is central to the biblical understanding of justice, righteousness, and divine governance. It refers not only to legal verdicts but also to established customs, ordinances, and the very character of God as a righteous judge. God's mishpat is often linked with His tzedaqah (righteousness), signifying His unwavering commitment to what is right and just (e.g., [[Psalm 33:5]], [[Isaiah 30:18]]). The concept of mishpat underpins the Mosaic Law and the prophetic calls for social justice.
The combination of a life-giving spring (ʻayin) with the concept of justice (mishpat) suggests a profound connection between sustenance and divine order.
### Theological Significance
While a geographical marker, the name ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ (H5880) carries significant theological resonance due to its etymology. The designation "Fountain of Judgment" imbues the physical location with a spiritual dimension, hinting at the presence or manifestation of divine justice.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The very naming of a place as a "fountain of judgment" suggests that even in the earliest accounts, there was an understanding that certain locations were marked by divine activity or judgment. It underscores God's omnipresent reign and His character as the ultimate arbiter of justice.
2. **Prefiguring Kadesh's Role:** The identification of En-Mishpat with Kadesh is highly significant. Kadesh later became a primary site for Israel's wilderness wanderings, a place where God's judgments were indeed meted out. For instance, it was at Kadesh that the Israelites rebelled against God's command to enter the land, resulting in a forty-year wilderness wandering ([[Numbers 13-14]]). Furthermore, it was there that Moses, in a moment of frustration, struck the rock instead of speaking to it, leading to God's judgment that he would not enter the Promised Land ([[Numbers 20:1-13]]). Thus, the ancient name "Fountain of Judgment" proved prophetically apt for a site that would witness significant divine decrees and judgments upon God's people.
3. **Water as a Symbol of Life and Judgment:** Water, a vital element, is frequently used in scripture to symbolize both life and judgment (e.g., the Flood, the Red Sea crossing, living waters). A "fountain of judgment" therefore encapsulates this dual symbolism, providing sustenance while also being a place where divine decrees, perhaps even those leading to hardship or discipline, were enacted.
### Summary
ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ (H5880), meaning "Fountain of Judgment," is a compound Hebrew proper noun found exclusively in [[Genesis 14:7]]. It designates a geographical location explicitly identified as Kadesh, a site of immense historical and theological importance. The name itself combines the vital element of a water source (ʻayin) with the profound concept of divine justice (mishpat), suggesting a place where judgments or significant decisions were rendered. This nomenclature is remarkably fitting, as Kadesh later became a pivotal location for the manifestation of God's justice and judgment upon the Israelites during their wilderness sojourn. Thus, ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ stands as a testament to the enduring biblical theme of God's sovereign justice, imprinted even upon the very landscape.
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