Lexical Summary mazor: ambush Original Word: מָזוֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wound From zuwr in the sense of turning aside from truth; treachery, i.e. A plot -- wound. see HEBREW zuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition perhaps a net NASB Translation ambush (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. מָזוֺר noun masculine Obadiah 7 תַּחְתֶּיךָ ׳יָשִׂימוּמ, very dubious, perhaps net (as something extended): ᵐ5 (ἔνεδρα), ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ambush (? מָצוֺד or מְצוֺדָה net, VollersZAW 1884, 16; מָצוֺר siege PrinceJBL xvi.1897, 177), Aq Theod fetter, bond, ᵑ7 (תקלא) stumbling-block; Gr מַכְמֹר, מִכְמָר; We Now leave untranslated; DlProl. 67, HWB 396 compare Assyrian mazûru, apparently a pole with an iron hook, but improbable — 1. מָזוֺר see below II. זוּר, p. 267. מִזְרֶה see זרה. Topical Lexicon Overview מָזוֹר (mazor) paints a vivid picture of a concealed hurt—whether a literal wound or a figurative snare—inflicted by those once thought friendly. Its single appearance in Obadiah brings the term into sharp relief, emphasizing betrayal that cuts deeply and unexpectedly. Biblical Occurrence Obadiah 1:7: “All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, without your awareness of it.” Here מָזוֹר is rendered “trap” (some translations “wound”), underscoring treachery arising from the closest social circle—table-fellows. Imagery and Meaning 1. Hidden Pain: A wound can cripple before it is even noticed; likewise, a snare is unseen until it springs. Both pictures fit the prophetic warning. Historical Setting in Obadiah Edom, descendant of Esau, had relied on treaties with neighboring powers and prided itself on strategic mountain strongholds (Obadiah 1:3–4). When Babylon advanced, these very allies turned, driving Edom “to the border” and laying the fatal מָזוֹר. The prophecy came to pass when Babylon and its confederates subjugated Edom in the sixth century B.C. Theological Themes • Divine Justice: God orchestrates circumstances so that Edom reaps what it has sown against Judah (Obadiah 1:10–15). The hidden wound is part of the divine retribution. Prophetic Parallels • Jeremiah 30:13–14 describes Judah’s “sore” with no earthly healer, yet God Himself promises restoration—highlighting the contrast between human and divine help. Practical Ministry Insights 1. Discernment in Alliances: Churches and believers must weigh partnerships carefully, ensuring alignment with biblical truth rather than convenience. Summary מָזוֹר stands as a poignant emblem of covert injury—physical or relational—arising from trusted quarters. In Obadiah it exposes Edom’s arrogant dependence on human pacts and showcases divine justice that turns worldly wisdom into self-inflicted pain. For the believer today, the term summons vigilance, reliance on the Lord, and confidence that every hidden wound is known, judged, and ultimately healed by the God who saves. Forms and Transliterations מָזוֹר֙ מזור mā·zō·wr mazOr māzōwrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Obadiah 1:7 HEB: לַחְמְךָ֗ יָשִׂ֤ימוּ מָזוֹר֙ תַּחְתֶּ֔יךָ אֵ֥ין NAS: Will set an ambush for you. (There is no KJV: have laid a wound under thee: [there is] none understanding INT: your bread will set an ambush Thahash else 1 Occurrence |
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