מִשְׁלוֹחַ

מִשְׁלוֹחַ

a sending out, i.e. (abstractly) presentation (favorable)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מִשְׁלוֹחַ (mishlôwach) primarily means 'a sending out' or 'a thing sent,' but its meaning varies by context. In a positive sense, it refers to a gift, offering, or presentation sent out, such as the offerings brought to the sanctuary in Deuteronomy 12:7 and 12:18. In a negative sense, it can denote a sending away or dismissal, as seen in the curses of Deuteronomy 28:20, where God promises to send curses upon disobedience. It can also refer to a task or business to be discharged, as implied in its usage in Esther 9:19 and 9:22 regarding the sending of gifts during Purim.

Biblical Usage

This word occurs 10 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in Deuteronomy (6 times) and Esther (2 times). In Deuteronomy, it is used in contexts of worship and covenant, referring to the presentation of offerings (Deuteronomy 12:7, 12:18, 15:10) and the sending away of loans (Deuteronomy 23:20). In Esther, it describes the sending of gifts during the Purim festival (Esther 9:19, 9:22). The usage patterns show a focus on communal and religious acts of giving or dismissal within Israel's covenant life.

Etymology

Derived from the root שָׁלַח (shalach, H7971), meaning 'to send' or 'to stretch out.' The noun form מִשְׁלוֹחַ is a construct that conveys the act or result of sending. Cognates in other Semitic languages share similar meanings of sending or extending. The word's development reflects a broad semantic range from the concrete act of dispatching something to the abstract concepts of presentation or dismissal.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects to themes of obedience, blessing, and curse within God's covenant. In Deuteronomy, the 'sending' of offerings (Deuteronomy 12:7) is an act of worship that acknowledges God's provision, while the 'sending' of curses (Deuteronomy 28:20) underscores the consequences of breaking the covenant. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by highlighting how Israel's relationship with God involved tangible acts of giving and receiving, reflecting faithfulness or rebellion. In ancient Israelite culture, מִשְׁלוֹחַ often involved tangible exchanges in religious and social settings. The sending of offerings to the sanctuary was a communal practice reinforcing tribal unity and devotion. Similarly, the sending of gifts during Purim (Esther 9:19) became a cultural tradition to commemorate deliverance. This differs from modern, more abstract notions of 'sending,' as it typically entailed physical items or actions with ritual or covenantal significance. שָׁלוּחַ (shaluach, H7964) — a sending or thing sent, often used interchangeably but less common; מִנְחָה (minchah, H4503) — a gift or offering, specifically a grain offering, whereas מִשְׁלוֹחַ can be broader; שִׁלּוּחַ (shilluach, H7965) — a sending away or dismissal, similar in negative contexts.

Word Details