Lexical Summary Motsah: Going forth, exit, source, place of going out Original Word: מֹצָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mozah Active participle feminine of matsah; drained; Motsah, a place in Palestine -- Mozah. see HEBREW matsah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a place in Benjamin NASB Translation Mozah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֹצָה proper name, of a location in Benjamin, Joshua 18:26; ᵐ5 Αμωκη, A Αμωσα, ᵐ5L Μασσα. Site unknown. [מָצוֺד], מְצוֺדָה, מְצוּדָה see צוד. מִצְוָה see צוה. [מְצוֺלָה], מְצוּלָה, מְצֻלָה see צול. מָצוק, מְצוּקָה see I. צוק. מָצוּק see II. צוק. I. מָצוֺר, מְצוּרָה see I. צור. II. מָצוֺר Egypt, see מצד, מִצְרַיִם. [מַצּוּת] see נצה. מצח (√of following) Topical Lexicon Name and MeaningMozah (מֹצָה) is a Benjaminite town whose name conveys the idea of departure or emergence. The nuance of “going out” harmonizes with its likely position at a key point of egress from Jerusalem’s central hill country toward the western valleys. Biblical Context Joshua 18 records the allotment of territory to the tribe of Benjamin. Among the eighteen cities listed in verses 21–28 is Mozah: “ … Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah …” (Joshua 18:26). Its placement between Chephirah and Rekem reflects a west-to-east sweep of settlements stretching from the lowlands toward the heart of Benjamin. The single notice may appear minor, yet it anchors the town firmly within the covenant inheritance promised to Abraham’s seed (Genesis 15:18–21) and distributed under Joshua’s leadership. Geographical Location Most scholars identify Mozah with Khirbet Beit Mizza or the adjacent area of modern Motza, roughly five kilometers west-northwest of Jerusalem, just below the watershed ridge. The site overlooks the main route descending to the Aijalon Valley, explaining the town’s strategic importance as both an exit from the capital region and an entrance for traders and armies. Historical Significance 1. Frontier Defense Positioned on Benjamin’s western border, Mozah would have formed part of a defensive chain protecting the interior from Philistine incursions (compare 1 Samuel 13:5). Its hilltop vantage point allowed early detection of movements along the coastal-hill country corridor. 2. Agricultural Hub The fertile terraces around Motza are watered by perennial springs, making the area suitable for viticulture and grain. Such produce supported Jerusalem’s populace, foreshadowing later supply lines during Davidic and Solomonic times. 3. Post-Exilic Continuity Although unmentioned after Joshua, the region remained occupied through the Second Temple period. Motza appears in later Jewish sources as a place where willow branches were harvested for the Feast of Tabernacles, suggesting continuity of settlement and agricultural use. Archaeological Notes Excavations near modern Motza have uncovered Iron Age walls, silos, and characteristic Benjaminite four-room houses. Pottery indicates occupation during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy, corroborating the biblical record. A nearby Second Temple-era kiln complex attests to ongoing industry. Theological and Ministry Applications • Inheritance and Faithfulness Mozah’s inclusion in Joshua 18 demonstrates God’s meticulous fulfillment of His land promise down to individual villages. The believer is reminded that no detail of God’s covenant care is overlooked (Joshua 21:45). • Strategic Stewardship The town’s location at a “going out” point illustrates the need for watchfulness at the margins of one’s life and ministry (Nehemiah 7:3). Gateways—physical or spiritual—require guardians committed to covenant faithfulness. • Ordinary Places, Eternal Purposes Though seldom mentioned, Mozah testifies that seemingly obscure locations and people are woven into God’s redemptive plan. Pastors and congregations in small or remote settings can draw encouragement: the Lord assigns value and purpose beyond human notice (1 Corinthians 1:26–29). Summary Mozah stands as a modest yet meaningful witness to the precision of God’s promises, the strategic stewardship of tribal inheritance, and the enduring significance of every place and person counted within the people of God. Forms and Transliterations וְהַמֹּצָֽה׃ והמצה׃ vehammoTzah wə·ham·mō·ṣāh wəhammōṣāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 18:26 HEB: וְהַמִּצְפֶּ֥ה וְהַכְּפִירָ֖ה וְהַמֹּצָֽה׃ NAS: and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah, KJV: And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah, INT: and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah 1 Occurrence |
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