Lexical Summary miskenoth: Store cities, storage cities, treasure cities Original Word: מִסְכְּנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a magazineBy transp. From kanac; a magazine: see HEBREW kanac NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sakan Definition supply, storage NASB Translation storage (4), store (2), storehouses (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִסְכְּנוֺת noun feminine plural supply, storage (DlProv 186); — ׳(חַ)מ עָרֵי Exodus 1:11 (J), 1 Kings 9:19 2Chronicles 8:6,4; 17:12; ׳ע ׳מ2Chronicles 16:4 probably corrupt (Be and others; see עִיר); ׳מ alone 2 Chronicles 32:28 storage-places, magazines. Topical Lexicon Definition within the biblical storyline מִסְכְּנָה designates “store” or “supply” cities—urban complexes planned primarily for the collection, protection, and distribution of grain, provisions, weapons, and royal goods. Unlike ordinary towns, these sites were purpose-built logistics hubs positioned at strategic crossroads, royal estates, or frontier zones to sustain imperial projects, military campaigns, and economic expansion. Occurrences and narrative settings 1. Exodus 1:11 inaugurates the theme when Pharaoh enslaves Israel to build “Pithom and Raamses as store cities for Pharaoh”. The word is thus first linked to oppression, forced labor, and Gentile power. Historical and strategic significance • Geography: Store cities were situated near borders (e.g., Hamath), trade routes (e.g., Tadmor on the caravans’ path), or fertile valleys (Judah’s Shephelah). Their placement enabled rapid troop movement and sustained sieges. Theological reflections Oppressor and covenant nation alike relied on store cities, but motives differed. Pharaoh’s warehouses symbolize idolatrous security, while Solomon’s and Hezekiah’s represent covenant blessing when “the LORD had given him rest on every side” (paraphrasing 1 Kings 5:4). Yet even righteous kings could be tempted to trust fortifications more than God (cf. Isaiah 22:11). The Chronicler’s balanced portrayal commends prudent planning without eclipsing reliance on Yahweh. Gospel and typological insights Store cities foreshadow the greater provision found in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Pharaoh’s granaries once enslaved Israel, but Jesus, the true Joseph, offers bread of life without bondage. The church, likewise, is called to be a repository of spiritual resources—“good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10)—living storehouses that dispense truth and compassion. Practical ministry applications 1. Stewardship: Hezekiah’s “storehouses for the harvest of grain, new wine, and oil” (2 Chronicles 32:28) illustrate disciplined management of plenty for future needs, a principle applicable to congregational finances and mercy ministries. Summary מִסְכְּנָה threads through Scripture as a symbol of organized provision. It exposes the vanity of tyrants, highlights the prudence of godly kings, and ultimately points to Christ, the inexhaustible storehouse of salvation. Wise believers today emulate the righteous use of resources: gathered with diligence, safeguarded with integrity, and released with generosity for the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations הַֽמִּסְכְּנ֔וֹת הַֽמִּסְכְּנוֹת֙ המסכנות וּמִ֨סְכְּנ֔וֹת ומסכנות מִסְכְּנ֖וֹת מִסְכְּנֽוֹת׃ מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ מסכנות מסכנות׃ ham·mis·kə·nō·wṯ hammiskenOt hammiskənōwṯ mis·kə·nō·wṯ miskenOt miskənōwṯ ū·mis·kə·nō·wṯ uMiskeNot ūmiskənōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 1:11 HEB: וַיִּ֜בֶן עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ לְפַרְעֹ֔ה אֶת־ NAS: for Pharaoh storage cities, KJV: for Pharaoh treasure cities, INT: built cities storage Pharaoh Pithom 1 Kings 9:19 2 Chronicles 8:4 2 Chronicles 8:6 2 Chronicles 16:4 2 Chronicles 17:12 2 Chronicles 32:28 7 Occurrences |
    |