Definition and Etymology:
Matsor is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "fortress" or "stronghold." The word is derived from the Hebrew root "tsur," which means to confine or besiege. It is closely related to the term "Matzor," which can also refer to a place of defense or a fortified city.

Biblical References:
Matsor is mentioned in several contexts within the Old Testament, often symbolizing strength, protection, and sometimes oppression. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe physical fortifications and spiritual or divine protection.

1. Literal Usage:
In its literal sense, Matsor refers to physical fortifications or strongholds. For example, in 2 Kings 19:24, the term is used in the context of military conquests and the strength of fortified cities: "I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt."

2. Metaphorical Usage:
Matsor is also used metaphorically to describe God's protection over His people. In Psalm 31:2-3, the psalmist cries out for divine refuge: "Incline Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance. For You are my rock and my fortress; lead and guide me for the sake of Your name."

3. Prophetic and Symbolic Usage:
The term is sometimes used in prophetic literature to symbolize the strength of nations or the impending judgment upon them. In Isaiah 19:6, the drying up of the Nile is described as a judgment against Egypt, a nation often associated with the term Matsor: "The streams of the Nile will dwindle and dry up, and the canals will become parched and empty."

Theological Significance:
Matsor, as a concept, underscores the biblical theme of God as a refuge and protector. It highlights the contrast between human reliance on physical fortifications and the ultimate security found in divine protection. The term serves as a reminder of the futility of trusting solely in human strength and the importance of seeking refuge in God.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the ancient Near East, cities were often fortified with walls and strongholds to protect against invasions. The imagery of a fortress would have been a powerful symbol of security and stability for the Israelites. However, the biblical narrative frequently emphasizes that true safety comes not from physical structures but from faith in God.

Related Terms:
· Matzor: Often used interchangeably with Matsor, though it can also refer specifically to a siege or the act of besieging.
· Tsur: The root word for Matsor, meaning rock or cliff, often used to describe God as a rock or refuge.

Conclusion:
While Matsor is a term deeply rooted in the physical realities of ancient warfare and city defense, its spiritual implications resonate throughout the biblical text. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's unwavering protection and the believer's need to seek refuge in Him above all else.4693. Matsor -- a country Southwest of the Red Sea
... 4692, 4693. Matsor. 4694 . a country Southwest of the Red Sea. Transliteration:
Matsor Phonetic Spelling: (maw-tsore') Short Definition: Egypt. ... Matsor. 4694 ...
/hebrew/4693.htm - 6k

4692. matsor -- siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment
matsor or matsur. 4691, 4692. matsor or matsur. 4693 . siege enclosure,
siege, entrenchment. Transliteration: matsor or matsur ...
/hebrew/4692.htm - 6k

4622. matsor -- a restraint, hindrance
... 4621, 4622. matsor. 4623 . a restraint, hindrance. Transliteration: matsor
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-tsore') Short Definition: restrained. ... matsor. 4623 . ...
/hebrew/4622.htm - 6k

Matsor (2 Occurrences)
...Matsor (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged, and have drunk strange waters,
And with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the streams of Matsor. ...
/m/matsor.htm - 6k

Siege (63 Occurrences)
... sej (matsor (Deuteronomy 28:52, 53 1 Kings 15:27 2 Kings 25:2 Isaiah 29:3 Ezekiel
4:2); "to be besieged," "to suffer siege," ba-matsor bo' (Deuteronomy 20:19 2 ...
/s/siege.htm - 51k

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 37:25 should be rendered "dried up all the Nile-arms of Matsor, " ie, of
Egypt, so called from the "Matsor" or great fortification across the isthmus of ...
/s/sennacherib.htm - 18k

Mattan (3 Occurrences)

/m/mattan.htm - 8k

Streams (80 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged, and have drunk strange waters, And with the
sole of my feet have I dried up all the streams of Matsor. (DBY RSV NIV). ...
/s/streams.htm - 30k

Fortification (5 Occurrences)
... circumvallation cast up by the besiegers, 2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 4:2;
Ezekiel 17:17; Ezekiel 21:22; Ezekiel 26:8). (8) matsor, "fortress" (Jeremiah ...
/f/fortification.htm - 40k

Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... circumvallation cast up by the besiegers, 2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 4:2;
Ezekiel 17:17; Ezekiel 21:22; Ezekiel 26:8). (8) matsor, "fortress" (Jeremiah ...
/f/fortress.htm - 60k

Fortified (79 Occurrences)
... circumvallation cast up by the besiegers, 2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 4:2;
Ezekiel 17:17; Ezekiel 21:22; Ezekiel 26:8). (8) matsor, "fortress" (Jeremiah ...
/f/fortified.htm - 63k

Fence (12 Occurrences)
... 9:1; Deuteronomy 28:52, etc.); mibhtsar, "fenced city," is a fortified place (Numbers
32:17, 36 Joshua 10:20; Joshua 19:35, etc.); matsor, "fenced cities ...
/f/fence.htm - 15k

Fort (8 Occurrences)
... circumvallation cast up by the besiegers, 2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 4:2;
Ezekiel 17:17; Ezekiel 21:22; Ezekiel 26:8). (8) matsor, "fortress" (Jeremiah ...
/f/fort.htm - 41k

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