Lexical Summary rachats: washbowl Original Word: רַחַץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance washpot From rachats; a bath -- wash(-pot). see HEBREW rachats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rachats Definition a washing NASB Translation washbowl (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רַ֫חַץ] noun [masculine] washing, figurative; — only suffix in סִיר רַחְצִי Psalm 60:10 Moab is my wash-pot = Psalm 108:10. Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage רַחַץ appears twice in the Psalter (Psalm 60 8; Psalm 108 9), rendered “washbasin” or “washpot.” Both contexts are nearly identical declarations of Yahweh’s sovereign rule over the nations. Context within the Psalms Psalm 60 and Psalm 108 are military hymns that recount Israel’s hardships and victories while affirming God’s supremacy. By calling Moab “My washbasin,” the Lord speaks of turning a proud neighbor into a menial household utensil. The imagery is sharpened by the parallel lines: “Upon Edom I cast My sandal” (Psalm 60 8). The pitied basin and discarded sandal combine to portray absolute conquest and humiliation of hostile powers, while simultaneously underscoring protection for God’s covenant people. Cultural Background of the Washbasin In the ancient Near East, travelers’ feet were washed on arrival (Genesis 18 4; 19 2) either by a servant or by the host himself (1 Samuel 25 41). The basin was a humble, utilitarian vessel, typically of clay or bronze, kept near the threshold for the removal of dust and defilement. To be likened to such a container was an unmistakable blow to national pride: a strong nation reduced to a servant’s implement. Symbolism of Washing in Scripture 1. Cleansing from defilement: Exodus 30 17-21 sets the precedent for ritual washing at the Tabernacle laver, foreshadowing spiritual purification (Psalm 26 6; Isaiah 1 16). By labeling Moab His basin, God reveals judgment that ultimately serves His redemptive plan: the nations are disciplined so that blessing might reach “all families of the earth” (Genesis 12 3). Historical Significance Moab regularly opposed Israel (Numbers 22-24; Judges 3 12-30; 2 Kings 3 4-27). David’s military campaigns (2 Samuel 8 2) likely stand behind Psalm 60, where Moab’s subjection is celebrated. The later placement of Psalm 108 re-uses Davidic language to encourage post-exilic worshipers facing new threats, affirming that past victories guarantee future deliverance. Theological Implications • Divine sovereignty: even powerful kingdoms are tools in God’s household. Practical Ministry Application 1. Confidence in mission: believers proclaim the gospel knowing Christ rules the nations (Matthew 28 18-20). Summary רַחַץ, though a minor noun, conveys a major message: every nation, however formidable, is subject to the cleansing, humbling, and ultimately redemptive purposes of the Lord of hosts. Forms and Transliterations רַחְצִ֗י רחצי rachTzi raḥ·ṣî raḥṣîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 60:8 HEB: מוֹאָ֤ב ׀ סִ֬יר רַחְצִ֗י עַל־ אֱ֭דוֹם NAS: Moab is My washbowl; Over Edom INT: Moab caldron is My washbowl Over Edom Psalm 108:9 2 Occurrences |
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