Lexical Summary miklaah or miklah: Enclosure, fold, pen Original Word: מִכְלָאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sheepfold Or miklah {mik-law'}; from kala'; a pen (for flocks) -- ((sheep-))fold. Compare miklah. see HEBREW kala' see HEBREW miklah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kala Definition an enclosure, fold NASB Translation fold (1), folds (1), sheepfolds* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. מִכְלָה (incorrect for מכלא) noun [masculine] enclosure, fold; — צאֹן ׳גָּזַר מִמּ Habakkuk 3:17; plural construct לקח מִמִּכְלְאֹת צאֹן Psalm 78:70 (object David); plural suffix לקח מִמִּכְלְאֹתֶיךָ Psalm 50:9 (object he-goats). — II. מִכְלָה see below כלה. Topical Lexicon Overview מִכְלָאָה denotes an enclosed space for domestic animals—typically a stall, sheepfold, or pen. Its literal sense of a protected enclosure becomes a vivid metaphor for the Lord’s provision, His sovereign choice of leaders, and the believer’s security amid adversity. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Psalm 50:9 – “I have no need for a bull from your stall or goats from your pens.” Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Israel, livestock represented wealth, vocation, and daily sustenance. Stalls and folds were labor-intensive investments that safeguarded animals from predators and theft. Shepherd-kings, such as David, were trained in these enclosures to care for what was precious. Thus, מִכְלָאָה embodies both economic value and covenant stewardship. Theological Significance Psalm 50 confronts superficial ritualism: the God who owns every beast does not depend on sacrifices “from your stall.” The image exposes the futility of giving God what is already His and calls worshipers to heartfelt obedience. Psalm 78 links the sheepfold to divine election. David’s promotion “from the sheepfolds” underscores that God often prepares leaders in humble, hidden places before entrusting them with public responsibility over His “flock” Israel. Habakkuk 3:17 employs the emptied stall to portray catastrophic loss, yet the prophet still declares, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD” (3:18). Material barrenness cannot quench covenant joy; faith rests not in full folds but in the faithful Shepherd. Christological Connections The Good Shepherd imagery (John 10:1–18) echoes the Old Testament fold. Jesus gathers His own into a secure enclosure and lays down His life for them. He fulfills the pattern of David, brought from literal sheepfolds to shepherd God’s people (John 10:16; Ezekiel 34:23). Implications for Worship and Ministry • Authentic worship arises from surrendered hearts, not merely from offerings taken “out of the stall.” Practical and Devotional Application • Evaluate sacrifices: are they tokens from your “stall,” or expressions of gratitude and obedience? Summary מִכְלָאָה points to tangible shelters for livestock, yet Scripture elevates the term to reveal God’s ownership of all creation, His sovereign election of servants forged in humble settings, and His assurance of security even when visible resources fail. Forms and Transliterations מִ֝מִּכְלְאֹתֶ֗יךָ מִֽמִּכְלְאֹ֥ת מִמִּכְלָה֙ ממכלאת ממכלאתיך ממכלה mim·miḵ·lāh mim·miḵ·lə·’ō·ṯe·ḵā mim·miḵ·lə·’ōṯ mimichLah mimichleOt mimichleoTeicha mimmiḵlāh mimmiḵlə’ōṯ mimmiḵlə’ōṯeḵāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 50:9 HEB: מִבֵּיתְךָ֣ פָ֑ר מִ֝מִּכְלְאֹתֶ֗יךָ עַתּוּדִֽים׃ NAS: Nor male goats out of your folds. KJV: [nor] he goats out of thy folds. INT: of your house young of your folds male Psalm 78:70 Habakkuk 3:17 3 Occurrences |
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