Lexical Summary muaqah: Oppression, distress Original Word: מוּעָקָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance affliction From uwq; pressure, i.e. (figuratively) distress -- affliction. see HEBREW uwq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom uq Definition compression, distress NASB Translation oppressive burden (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מוּעָקָה noun feminine compression, distress (si vera lectio, Aramaic word, = מְצוּקָה); — בְּמָתְנֵינוּ ׳שַׂמְתָּ מ Psalm 66:11, ᵐ5 θλίψεις, ᵑ9 tribulations; but word dubious Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The term מוּעָקָה refers to a condition of constriction, crushing pressure, or oppressive distress that weighs heavily upon those who experience it. Although it occurs only once in the Old Testament, the word evokes a wider biblical motif of God’s people passing through seasons of affliction that test, refine, and ultimately bless them. Biblical Context and Usage Psalm 66:11 stands as the sole usage: “You led us into the net; You laid a crushing burden on our backs”. Here the psalmist recalls a collective experience of Israel, framing the distress as divinely permitted yet purposeful. Nestled between verses that speak of refining silver (Psalm 66:10) and leading into abundance (Psalm 66:12), מוּעָקָה functions as a necessary stage in a redemptive process—oppression that precedes deliverance. Theological Significance 1. Divine Refiner: Affliction is not arbitrary; it is the LORD’s crucible (Psalm 66:10; Isaiah 48:10). God’s sovereignty encompasses even oppressive seasons, weaving them into His larger design of sanctification. Historical Background Although Psalm 66 is not dated precisely, its communal language suggests reflection on national crises—perhaps the oppression of Egypt (Exodus 1:13-14), the Babylonian exile (Lamentations 1:3-5), or other times of foreign domination. In each era, Israel’s account rehearses the pattern of bondage, divine intervention, and renewed praise. Related Hebrew and Greek Concepts • עֳנִי (“affliction,” Psalm 25:18) and לַחַץ (“oppression,” Deuteronomy 26:7) express similar ideas of external pressure. Implications for Christian Ministry 1. Pastoral Care: Followers of Christ should expect seasons of מוּעָקָה. Shepherding involves helping believers interpret hardship through the lens of God’s refining love (Hebrews 12:5-11). Practical Application • Endurance: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). The memory of past מוּעָקָה converted into testimony fuels perseverance. Key Cross-References Psalm 66:10-12; Exodus 1:13-14; Isaiah 48:10; Lamentations 1:3-5; Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Hebrews 12:5-11; James 1:2-4. Summary of Insights מוּעָקָה encapsulates the tension of God-ordained pressure that seems crushing yet ultimately refines His people. Recognizing its place in the biblical narrative encourages believers to meet present trials with faith, obedience, and hope in the God who turns burdens into blessings. Forms and Transliterations מוּעָקָ֣ה מועקה mū‘āqāh mū·‘ā·qāh muaKahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 66:11 HEB: בַמְּצוּדָ֑ה שַׂ֖מְתָּ מוּעָקָ֣ה בְמָתְנֵֽינוּ׃ NAS: You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. KJV: thou laidst affliction upon our loins. INT: the net laid an oppressive our loins 1 Occurrence |