Lexical Summary machoz: District, Region, Province Original Word: מָחוֹז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance haven From an unused root meaning to enclose; a harbor (as shut in by the shore) -- haven. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a city NASB Translation haven (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מָחוֺז noun [masculine] city (Assyrian loan-word; from ma—âzu, city, AsrbAnnals iii.115 and often; see DlHWB 271; compare ᵑ7 מָחוֺזָא market-place, province,  small town) — only construct וַיַּנְחֵם אֶלמְֿחוֺז חֶפְצָם Psalm 107:30 and he guided them unto the city of their desire. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Context מָחוֹז appears once in Scripture, in Psalm 107:30: “Then they are glad when it is calm, so He guides them to their desired haven.” The psalm recounts God’s sovereignty over the sea, portraying sailors who cry out during a tempest and are brought safely to shore. The “desired haven” encapsulates both the literal relief of landing and the figurative rest believers find in the Lord. Imagery and Symbolism 1. Rest after turmoil – The calm that follows the storm mirrors life’s passages from distress to peace when God intervenes. Historical and Cultural Background Israel’s coast lay along vital maritime trade routes. While most Israelites were agrarian, seafaring neighbors such as the Phoenicians influenced the region. Psalm 107’s nautical vignette reflects firsthand knowledge of Mediterranean storms and the critical importance of secure anchorages. Ancient harbors—Tyre, Sidon, Joppa, and later Caesarea Maritima—served both commerce and military defense, making the image readily understandable to its first hearers. Theological Themes • Divine sovereignty over creation: The One who “stills the roaring of the seas” (Psalm 65:7) alone directs vessels to safety. Ministry and Pastoral Application 1. Comfort amid crises: Preachers may depict life’s “storms” and God’s guidance toward a haven to encourage trust during trials. Related Biblical Motifs • Ark of Noah – preservation through waters (Genesis 6-8). Christological Connection Just as sailors in Psalm 107 rejoice upon reaching land, those who trust in Christ find ultimate refuge in Him. The calming of the Galilean storm demonstrates He is both Lord of nature and the true מָחוֹז who receives the weary (Matthew 11:28). Hymnology and Liturgy Traditional hymns such as “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “Blessed Assurance” draw on the harbor theme. Psalm 107:23-32 is often appointed for services of thanksgiving after travel or deliverance. Summary מָחוֹז conveys more than geographic shelter; it encapsulates God’s promise to bring His people safely through chaos into rest. From Israel’s harbors to the believer’s eternal home, the term invites gratitude, faith, and hope anchored in the steadfast love of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations מְח֥וֹז מחוז mə·ḥō·wz meChoz məḥōwzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 107:30 HEB: וַ֝יַּנְחֵ֗ם אֶל־ מְח֥וֹז חֶפְצָֽם׃ NAS: them to their desired haven. KJV: them unto their desired haven. INT: guided about haven to their desired 1 Occurrence |
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