Lexical Summary Mitsar: Smallness, insignificance, little Original Word: מִצְעָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mizar The same as mits'ar; Mitsar, a peak of Lebanon -- Mizar. see HEBREW mits'ar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaar Definition a mountain near Hermon NASB Translation Mizar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. מִצְעָר proper name, of a mountain near Hermon, ׳הַר מ Psalm 42:7 mountain (of) Miƒ±ar (perhaps originally littleness), not identified; so De Now Du Dr GASmGegr. 477; others mountain of littleness, little mountain, so ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Hi Che Bae We and others (interpreted then usually of Zion). Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting and Identification Mount Mizar appears once in Scripture, named alongside “the land of the Jordan” and “the heights of Hermon” (Psalm 42:6). The pairing of these larger landmarks with a “little” mountain highlights its modest stature. Most scholars locate it somewhere in the Hermon range on the northern frontier of ancient Israel, perhaps a lesser slope where springs feed the upper Jordan. Though its precise latitude is debated, the text situates it far from Jerusalem, emphasizing distance from the temple yet nearness to God’s creative grandeur. Literary Context within Psalm 42 Psalm 42 is a lament of exile. The sons of Korah voice a soul “downcast” and “disturbed” (Psalm 42:5) while separated from corporate worship. Mentioning Mount Mizar frames the psalmist’s physical dislocation: he is not on Zion but on a small hill at Israel’s border. Even there, surrounded by roaring cataracts (Psalm 42:7), he rehearses the covenant name of God and stirs hope. Mount Mizar thus becomes the setting for inner dialogue between despair and faith. Theological Themes of Remembrance and Longing 1. Memory as spiritual discipline: “Therefore I remember You” (Psalm 42:6). The geographical reference underlines that remembrance bridges distance. Symbolism of Smallness and Grace Mizar means “small” or “insignificant.” Scripture often elevates what is little—Bethlehem over Judah’s cities (Micah 5:2), the mustard seed in the parables (Matthew 13:31), the faithful remnant (Zechariah 4:10). Mount Mizar mirrors this pattern: a humble stage where profound communion occurs. The psalmist’s choice of locale underscores that spiritual depth is measured not by outward impressiveness but by God’s nearness. Connection to Other ‘Little’ Places in Scripture • “Little among the clans of Judah” (Micah 5:2) parallels Mizar’s modest profile, reminding readers that Messiah emerges from what the world deems small. Practical Ministry Applications • Encouragement for scattered believers: physical distance from traditional centers of worship need not hinder fellowship with God. Hymnody and Devotional Use Mount Mizar’s imagery has informed numerous hymns and devotional writings that urge the faithful to “preach to their own souls” amid discouragement. Psalm 42, with its alternating refrains of lament and hope, continues to shape liturgy and private prayer, assuring believers that God meets them on every hill—whether majestic Hermon or little Mizar. Forms and Transliterations מִצְעָֽר׃ מצער׃ mitzArLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 42:6 HEB: וְ֝חֶרְמוֹנִ֗ים מֵהַ֥ר מִצְעָֽר׃ תְּהֽוֹם־ אֶל־ NAS: from Mount Mizar. KJV: from the hill Mizar. INT: of Hermon Mount Mizar confusion about 1 Occurrence |
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