Lexical Summary massad: Foundation, support, base Original Word: מַסַּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance foundation From yacad; a foundation -- foundation. see HEBREW yacad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yasad Definition foundation NASB Translation foundation (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַסַּד noun [masculine] foundation; — מִמַּסַּד 1 Kings 7:9 "" עַדהַֿטְּפָחוֺת; Co reads מַסַּד also Ezekiel 41:8 (for ᵑ0 מיּ֯סְדוֺת). Topical Lexicon Definition and Single Biblical Occurrenceמַסַּד (massad) denotes the firmly-laid stonework that forms the base upon which a structure rests. Its single appearance is in 1 Kings 7:9, describing the substructure of Solomon’s royal complex. Architectural Context in 1 Kings 7:9 1 Kings 7:9: “All these were made of costly stones, cut to size and sawed with saws, inside and out, from the foundation to the eaves, and from the outside to the great courtyard.” The verse stands within the description of Solomon’s palace precincts (1 Kings 7:1-12), built concurrently with the temple (1 Kings 6). The “costly stones” of the massad highlight the immense resources devoted to royal and sacred architecture in the United Monarchy. Archaeological parallels from Phoenician and Syrian sites confirm the use of large, finely squared blocks as load-bearing courses, demonstrating advanced engineering in the tenth century BC. Historical and Cultural Significance 1. Diplomatic Collaboration The skilled masons and timber supplied by Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 5:1-12; 2 Chronicles 2:3-10) suggest that the massad stones were likely quarried in Lebanon and shipped to Israel, evidencing the political alliances Solomon forged to achieve unrivaled craftsmanship. 2. Continuity with Temple Construction The same technical phraseology appears in the temple narrative (1 Kings 6:7), implying that palace and temple shared workmanship. By paralleling secular and sacred buildings, the chronicler underscores that all facets of the kingdom rest on God-honoring foundations (compare 1 Kings 9:1-3). Theological Trajectory of “Foundation” Imagery Although massad itself is rare, the conceptual weight of a well-laid foundation permeates Scripture: • Covenant Permanence – “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it stands” (Psalm 119:90). The solitary Old Testament massad thus becomes a tangible precursor to the New Testament disclosure that “no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Christological Fulfillment Solomon’s physical foundations prefigure the incarnate Son, who is simultaneously the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20) and the immovable rock upon which the church is built (Matthew 16:18). The excellence of the massad stones foreshadows the surpassing worth of Christ, “a living stone—rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God” (1 Peter 2:4). Ministry and Discipleship Applications 1. Doctrinal Integrity Pastors and teachers are urged to “hold fast the pattern of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13), ensuring that the church’s spiritual massad remains true to apostolic revelation. 2. Spiritual Formation Believers are called to lay “foundations of repentance… and faith in God” (Hebrews 6:1), paralleling the careful placement of each costly stone. 3. Endurance through Testing Just as Solomon’s substructure upheld the palace through centuries, so the wise builder who hears and does Christ’s words stands firm when floods rise (Luke 6:47-48). Related Biblical Themes • Wisdom and Skill – Exodus 35:30-35; Proverbs 24:3. Summary Massad, though mentioned but once, serves as a nexus between Israel’s golden age architecture and the enduring theological motif of foundation. Its costly stones invite readers to marvel at God’s provision in history, embrace the unshakeable foundation laid in His Son, and labor to build lives and ministries that will stand for eternity. Forms and Transliterations וּמִמַּסָּד֙ וממסד ū·mim·mas·sāḏ umimasSad ūmimmassāḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 7:9 HEB: מִבַּ֣יִת וּמִח֑וּץ וּמִמַּסָּד֙ עַד־ הַטְּפָח֔וֹת NAS: and outside; even from the foundation to the coping, KJV: and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, INT: within the outside the foundation against to the coping 1 Occurrence |
    |