Lexical Summary mibchor: Choice, select, best Original Word: מִבְחוֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance choice From bachar; select, i.e. Well fortified -- choice. see HEBREW bachar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bachar Definition choice NASB Translation choice (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִבְחוֺר noun [masculine] choice, in the phrases עִיר מִבְחוֺר choice city 2 Kings 3:19; מִבְחוֺר בְּרשָׁיו choice for trees 2 Kings 19:23 = מִבְחַר בְּרוֺשָׁיו Isaiah 37:24 (probably scribal error in both cases for מִבְחַר). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope מִבְחוֹר denotes something singled out as pre-eminent or superior—“choice” in the sense of surpassing quality. Though it appears only once in the Hebrew canon, its theological weight is discovered in Scripture’s broader witness to God’s discernment between what is ordinary and what is excellent, between the profane and the holy. Canonical Context and Usage 2 Kings 3 records the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom marching against rebellious Moab. In verse 19 the prophet Elisha foretells how the alliance will devastate Moab’s defenses: “You will strike down every fortified city and every choice city” (2 Kings 3 19). Here מִבְחוֹר modifies “city,” stressing that not merely the common towns but the premier, most prized urban centers will fall. The word therefore intensifies the prophecy—nothing will be left untouched, not even Moab’s finest. Historical Background: The Campaign Against Moab After King Ahab’s death, Mesha king of Moab withholds tribute (2 Kings 3 4-5). Joram enlists Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom for a desert march that leaves their armies near death. Elisha’s intervention brings water and victory but also a sobering pronouncement: Moab’s prosperity, symbolized by its “choice cities,” will be shattered. Archaeological discoveries such as the Mesha Stele corroborate Moab’s wealth during this period, underscoring how devastating the loss of elite cities would be economically, militarily, and culturally. Divine Selection and Human Choices The single occurrence of מִבְחוֹר invites reflection on the larger biblical motif of choosing. The Lord “has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His treasured possession” (Psalm 135 4). Yet the same sovereign prerogative that elects also evaluates and judges. Moab’s “choice” sites fall because the nation has chosen rebellion. The term therefore mirrors divine assessment: what people prize cannot stand when opposed to God’s purposes. Prophetic Nuances of Judgment By specifying “choice” cities, Elisha’s oracle anticipates complete judgment. Jeremiah later echoes this pattern against Judah: “I will remove from them the voice of joy… and this whole land shall become a ruin” (Jeremiah 25 10-11). When the choicest assets crumble, the people recognize that judgment is comprehensive and deserved. Thus מִבְחוֹר serves as a prophetic signal that nothing is beyond God’s reach—security must rest in Him, not in human achievements. Pastoral and Missional Reflections 1. Discipleship: Believers are urged to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12 1). Offering God the “choice” parts of life—time, resources, affection—reflects gratitude for His grace. Intertextual Connections • “The choice and best of the land of Egypt” granted to Joseph’s family (Genesis 47 11) illustrates favor bestowed. Summary מִבְחוֹר crystallizes a singular biblical moment yet resonates with the grand narrative: what God chooses is exalted; what opposes Him, no matter how “choice,” is brought low. Recognizing this truth cultivates reverence, aligns ministry priorities with divine selection, and points hearts to the ultimate Chosen One, Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations מִבְח֔וֹר מבחור miḇ·ḥō·wr miḇḥōwr mivChorLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 3:19 HEB: וְכָל־ עִ֣יר מִבְח֔וֹר וְכָל־ עֵ֥ץ NAS: city and every choice city, and fell KJV: city, and every choice city, INT: and every city choice every tree 1 Occurrence |
    |