Original Word: מֵיסָךְ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: meycak
Pronunciation: may-sak
Phonetic Spelling: (may-sawk')
KJV: covert
Word Origin: [from H5526 (סָכַך שָׂכַך - To cover)]

1. a portico (as covered)

portico

From cakak; a portico (as covered) -- covert.

see HEBREW cakak

Word Origin
see musak.

[מוּסָךְ] noun masculine architectural term (si vera lectio) of some covered structure, otherwise unknown; — only construct מוּסַחהַֿשַּׁכָּת 2 Kings 16:18 Qr (Kt מיסך i.e. מֵיסַךְ); — ᵐ5 τὸν θεμέλιον τῆς καθέδρας, i.e. מוּסַד הַשֶּׁבֶת ?

Definition and Scope

מֵיסָךְ denotes a covered structure or canopy constructed within the precincts of the house of the LORD. Its single attestation (2 Kings 16:18) suggests a specialized architectural feature, likely elevated or roofed, reserved for royal use during worship on the Sabbath.

Biblical Context

2 Kings 16 narrates the apostasy of King Ahaz of Judah, who adopted Assyrian patterns of worship and remodeled the Temple accordingly. Verse 18 records: “He removed the Sabbath canopy they had built in the temple and closed the royal entrance outside the temple of the LORD, on account of the king of Assyria” (Berean Standard Bible). The canopy stood alongside other Temple furnishings—lavers, the sea, and the bronze altar—whose removal or relocation forms part of Ahaz’s comprehensive reordering of sacred space.

Architectural and Ceremonial Role

1. Royal Protection and Visibility. The structure shielded the king while allowing him to observe or participate in Sabbath worship, reflecting distinction yet submission to divine authority (compare 2 Kings 11:4–12 concerning royal presence in the Temple).
2. Sabbath Emphasis. Its designation as “the Sabbath canopy” ties it to the weekly covenant sign (Exodus 31:13). By dismantling it, Ahaz diminished a visible testimony to the sanctity of the Sabbath.
3. Processional Function. The closing of the outer royal entrance alongside removal of the מֵיסָךְ implies they formed a coordinated approach for the monarch’s regulated access to the court of the priests (see Ezekiel 46:1–8 for a later prophetic ideal).

Theological Significance

• Sanctity vs. Syncretism. The canopy embodied ordered worship under Mosaic prescription; its destruction symbolizes capitulation to foreign influence and erosion of covenant fidelity (2 Kings 16:3–4, 10–11).
• Kingship under God. While the Davidic king enjoyed special privileges, the presence of the canopy inside the LORD’s house affirmed that even royalty worships under God’s covering, not apart from it (Psalm 72:11; Deuteronomy 17:18–20).
• Sabbath Testimony. Removal of a Sabbath-related feature foreshadows Judah’s wider neglect of the Sabbath (Jeremiah 17:21–27), contributing to eventual exile.

Cross-References and Parallels

• Protective Coverings in Worship: Exodus 26:14; Isaiah 4:5–6—divine canopy images.
• Royal Access to the Sanctuary: 2 Chronicles 23:13; Ezekiel 44:3.
• Desecration of Sacred Objects: 2 Kings 24:13; Daniel 5:2–3.
• Renewal after Apostasy: 2 Chronicles 29:18–19 (Hezekiah restores Temple articles), illustrating the reversal of Ahaz’s actions.

Ministry Applications

1. Guard the Elements of Worship. Physical arrangements may convey theological truths; neglect or alteration can undermine doctrine.
2. Resist Cultural Pressure. Ahaz’s concessions to Assyria warn modern believers against reshaping worship to please prevailing powers (Romans 12:2).
3. Uphold Sabbath Principles. Though fulfilled in Christ, regular, God-ordained rest and assembly remain vital for spiritual health (Hebrews 10:25).
4. Leadership Accountability. Spiritual leaders must model submission to Scripture; their private practice influences public faithfulness (1 Timothy 4:16).

Key Insights for Further Study

• Compare the prophetic vision of a restored royal gate and Sabbath worship in Ezekiel 46 to appreciate the ideal Ahaz violated.
• Investigate archaeological parallels of canopied walkways in Near Eastern temples to understand royal-cultic architecture.
• Trace the theme of “covering” from Tabernacle curtains to Christ as the ultimate shelter (Psalm 91:1; John 1:14).

מוּסַ֨ךְ מוסך mū·saḵ muSach mūsaḵInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts