Lexical Summary magar: To fear, to be afraid, to dread Original Word: מָגַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cast down, terror A primitive root; to yield up; intensively, to precipitate -- cast down, terror. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to cast, throw, toss NASB Translation cast (1), delivered (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מָגַר] verb cast, throw, toss (Aramaic  lapsus est et cecidit Lexicons; ᵑ7 Pa מַגֵּר hurl down 2Kings (Nehemiah 9:33, overthrow); — Qal Participle passive plural construct מְגוּרֵי אֶלחֶֿרֶב הָיוּ Ezekiel 21:17 they are thrown to the sword (on construct before preposition see Ges§ 130. l DaSynt. § 28 R 1). Pi`el Perfect2masculine singular וְכִסְאוֺ לָאָרֶץ מִגַָּֽ֯רְתָּה׃ Psalm 89:45 and his throne to earth thou hast hurled. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The verb מָגַר depicts an abrupt overthrow or violent dislodging that produces dread in those who witness it. It moves beyond a mere physical toppling to embrace the inward shock and panic that follow the sudden collapse of something thought secure. Biblical Occurrences 1. Psalm 89:44 – “You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground.” Historical Setting Psalm 89 was written against the backdrop of national calamity, most likely the fall of the Davidic monarchy during the Babylonian crisis. The psalmist contrasts God’s eternal covenant promises to David with the visible reality of a throne “cast…to the ground.” מָגַר captures the public humiliation of a dynasty that once radiated royal splendor. Ezekiel ministers from exile shortly before Jerusalem’s destruction. His sword‐oracle (Ezekiel 21) dramatizes Babylon’s advance. In verse 12 מָגַר supplies the atmosphere of horror surrounding the military onslaught: princes, priests, and common people alike are seized by terror as covenant breakers meet the blade of judgment. Theological Significance Judgment: In both contexts מָגַר is God’s own action. Human rebellion does not merely result in political misfortune; the Lord Himself overthrows the proud (Psalm 89:32–33; Ezekiel 21:3–5). Covenant Faithfulness: Ironically, the downfall announced by מָגַר vindicates divine faithfulness rather than denying it. The covenant contains both blessing and curse (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). When the throne of David is toppled, the warning clauses prove as reliable as the promises, underscoring the unchanging integrity of God’s word. Messianic Hope: The collapse described in Psalm 89 sets the stage for yearning beyond any merely earthly throne. By allowing David’s line to be “cast…to the ground,” God intensifies anticipation for the Messiah whose reign can never be overthrown (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32–33). Thus מָגַר, though negative, propels redemptive history forward. Ministry Implications 1. Warning to the Complacent – Churches and nations that presume upon past favor must heed the lesson: divine privilege does not exempt from discipline (1 Corinthians 10:11–12). Summary מָגַר encapsulates the shock of divine judgment that topples earthly power structures and exposes false security. Yet within that very overthrow lies a deeper fidelity, directing faith toward the unshakable throne of the risen Son of David. Forms and Transliterations מְגוּרֵ֤י מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃ מגורי מגרתה׃ mə·ḡū·rê məḡūrê meguRei mig·gar·tāh migGartah miggartāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 89:44 HEB: וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ לָאָ֥רֶץ מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃ NAS: to cease And cast his throne KJV: his throne down to the ground. INT: his throne to the ground and cast Ezekiel 21:12 2 Occurrences |
    |