Original Word: מוּסַבָּה
Part of Speech: Verb Feminine
Transliteration: muwcabbah
Pronunciation: moo-sab-bah'
Phonetic Spelling: (moo-sab-baw')
KJV: being changed, inclosed, be set, turning
Word Origin: [feminine of H4141 (מוּסָב - surrounding)]

1. a reversal, i.e. the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)

being changed, enclosed, be set, turning

Or mucabbah {moo-sab-baw'}; feminine of muwcab; a reversal, i.e. The backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name) -- being changed, inclosed, be set, turning.

see HEBREW muwcab

Word Origin
the same as sabab, q.v.

Overview

The term מוּסַבָּה describes a crafted encirclement—a setting, mounting, or border that surrounds something precious. Its four occurrences bind two great moments of redemptive history: the establishment of Israel’s priesthood in the wilderness and Ezekiel’s vision of a perfected temple. In each scene the word underscores protection, presentation, and permanence.

Scriptural Occurrences

• Exodus 28:11—“Engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel, as a gem cutter engraves a seal; mount them in gold filigree settings.”
• Exodus 39:6—“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.”
• Exodus 39:13—“and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These were mounted in gold filigree settings.”
• Ezekiel 41:24—The double doors of the inner sanctuary are described with panels and borders enclosing cherubim and palm-tree carvings.

Priestly Significance in Exodus

The settings of gold served three purposes:

1. Protection: Gold encasements shielded the stones, ensuring that the tribal names could never be marred or lost (Exodus 28:12).
2. Presentation: By framing each stone, the gold caused every tribe to shine with dignity before the LORD.
3. Permanence: Gold’s incorruptible nature portrayed the enduring covenant God had established with His people.

These themes anticipate the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ, who bears His people in unbreakable security (Hebrews 7:25).

Architectural Significance in Ezekiel

Ezekiel’s future temple shows musabbah applied to door construction. The doors are bordered by panels that hold carvings of cherubim and palms. The imagery projects:

• Sanctified Access: Only what is securely enclosed in holiness may enter the presence of God.
• Continuity with the Tabernacle: The priestly gold mounts find architectural correspondence, suggesting a unified theology of sacred space.
• Promise of Restoration: The detailed encircling signals that God will yet protect and glorify His dwelling among His people.

Symbolism of Encirclement

1. Security—Encirclement reflects divine guarding (Psalm 34:7).
2. Unity—Individual stones are unified by a single mounting; likewise, diverse believers are one in Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6).
3. Glory—Gold, the metal of kingship and deity, elevates what it surrounds; believers are “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6).

Christological and Redemptive Themes

• Covenant Memory: As the stones are sealed in mounts, so believers’ names are “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
• Mediator’s Heart: The breastplate’s settings rest over the high priest’s heart, prefiguring Christ’s love and continual intercession (Romans 8:34).
• Imperishable Inheritance: Gold points to the “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4).

Ministry Applications

• Assurance of Salvation: Teach that God’s people are irrevocably secured, as gems in gold.
• Intercessory Responsibility: Leaders carry the congregation on their hearts, reflecting the high priest’s pattern.
• Worship Aesthetics: Beauty and craftsmanship can serve theological truth, showing that God values both form and function.
• Unity in Diversity: The common gold mount illustrates that distinct gifts and backgrounds are held together in one covenant community.

Related Themes

Encircling protection; priestly garments; temple architecture; covenant permanence; security of the believer; glory of God’s dwelling.

Summary

Though rare, מוּסַבָּה richly portrays God’s commitment to encircle His people with honor and safety—from the wilderness tabernacle, through Ezekiel’s visionary temple, to the ultimate reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

מֻֽסַבֹּ֖ת מֻסַבֹּ֛ת מֽוּסַבֹּ֛ת מוּסַבּ֣וֹת מוסבות מוסבת מסבת mū·sab·bō·wṯ mu·sab·bōṯ mū·sab·bōṯ musabBot musabbōṯ mūsabbōṯ mūsabbōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts