Lexical Summary mechabberah: Joining, binding, association Original Word: מְחַבְּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance coupling, joining From chabar; a joiner, i.e. Brace or cramp -- coupling, joining. see HEBREW chabar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chabar Definition a binder, clamp, joint NASB Translation clamps (1), couplings (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מְחַבְּרָה] noun feminine binder, clamp, joint, only plural absolute מְחבְּרוֺת, of iron, clamps or the like, 1 Chronicles 22:3; of wood, binder, or coupling, 2 Chronicles 34:11. Topical Lexicon Conceptual Overview מְחַבְּרָה denotes the iron or bronze elements that bind separate pieces of timber or stone into one stable structure. Although mentioned only twice, the term carries weight because it highlights the hidden but indispensable components that make God-ordained buildings both strong and enduring. Scriptural Occurrences 1. 1 Chronicles 22:3 – David “provided large amounts of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the fittings”. Historical Setting • David’s Preparations (circa 970 BC): David amassed resources so that Solomon could erect the First Temple without delay. The inventory includes nails and מְחַבְּרָה, underscoring David’s meticulous planning for both visible grandeur and unseen strength. Construction Technology in the Monarchy Era Ancient builders inserted iron clamps or bronze dowels into precisely cut recesses, then poured molten lead to lock them in place. These couplings distributed weight, held wall blocks against seismic motion, and enabled long spans of cedar beams. Their presence meant the Temple could be assembled speedily on site, echoing 1 Kings 6:7 where “the temple was constructed with finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel was heard in the temple while it was being built”. Liturgical and Symbolic Significance 1. Covenant Cohesion: The Temple embodied Israel’s corporate worship; its couplings silently declared that every tribe and family must be joined together in covenant fidelity (Psalm 122:3). The Ministry of Unity • Pastoral Leadership: Like David, leaders must secure the “fittings” of doctrine, accountability, and mutual care before visible ministries can rise. Cross-References and Thematic Parallels Exodus 26:6 – gold clasps for the tabernacle curtains Ezra 3:7 – timber procurement for the Second Temple Ephesians 2:20-22 – believers “being built together into a dwelling place for God” Colossians 2:19 – the Body “supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments” The brief biblical footprint of מְחַבְּרָה invites reflection on the quiet, connective graces that secure God’s people and His purposes through every generation. Forms and Transliterations וְלַֽמְחַבְּר֖וֹת ולמחברות לַֽמְחַבְּר֑וֹת למחברות lam·ḥab·bə·rō·wṯ lamchabbeRot lamḥabbərōwṯ velamchabbeRot wə·lam·ḥab·bə·rō·wṯ wəlamḥabbərōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 22:3 HEB: לְדַלְת֧וֹת הַשְּׁעָרִ֛ים וְלַֽמְחַבְּר֖וֹת הֵכִ֣ין דָּוִ֑יד NAS: of the gates and for the clamps, and more KJV: of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass INT: the doors of the gates the clamps prepared David 2 Chronicles 34:11 2 Occurrences |
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