Lexical Summary mishalah: Desire, request, petition Original Word: מִשְׁאָלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance desire, petition From sha'al; a request -- desire, petition. see HEBREW sha'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shaal Definition request, petition NASB Translation desires (1), petitions (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִשׁאָלָה] noun feminine request, petition; — plural construct מִשְׁאֲלֹת לִבָּ֑ךָ Psalm 37:4 (with נָתַן, of ׳י); suffixמִשְׁאֲלוֺתֶיךָ Psalm 20:6 (with מִלֵּא, of ׳י). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Psalm 20:5 and Psalm 37:4 contain the only appearances of מִשְׁאָלָה. In both settings the term expresses the movement of a heartfelt inner longing toward God, confident that He responds favorably to those who trust Him. Psalm 20:5 celebrates the king’s victories and prays, “May the Lord grant all your petitions”, portraying covenantal fellowship in which communal intercession surrounds the anointed ruler. Psalm 37:4 applies the same reality to every believer: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart”. The word’s limited use concentrates its meaning: true desires become petitions God is willing to satisfy when they arise from delight in Him. Historical and Literary Setting Both psalms are traditionally Davidic, composed in the context of Israel’s monarchy. Military challenges (Psalm 20) and social pressures from evildoers (Psalm 37) threatened the nation’s stability. Instead of urging political maneuvering, the psalmist directs hearts God-ward. Within Ancient Near Eastern culture, subjects petitioned their kings; here Israel’s king and people together petition the Divine King, reflecting the covenant structure described in Deuteronomy. The Hebrew word’s appearance in wisdom-style exhortation (Psalm 37) and royal liturgy (Psalm 20) shows its versatility: it belongs both in public worship and in private spiritual formation. Theological Significance 1. Alignment of Will: מִשְׁאָלָה highlights that God answers not every whim but the desires formed by “delight” in Him. Thus it underlines the harmony of divine sovereignty and human longing. Practical Application in Ministry • Worship Planning: Psalm 20 provides liturgical language for commissioning leaders, missionaries, or anyone embarking on service, asking God to fulfill their “petitions.” Related Biblical Themes Petition and desire recur throughout Scripture even when מִשְׁאָלָה is absent. Hannah’s “request” (1 Samuel 1:17), Solomon’s “asked for wisdom” (1 Kings 3:11), and Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance (2 Kings 19:19) demonstrate that God honors petitions aligned with His purposes. The New Testament carries the theme forward: Philippians 4:6 urges believers, “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” James 4:3 warns that selfish motives hinder answers, reinforcing Psalm 37:4’s linkage of desire to delight in the Lord. Christological Perspective Jesus embodies perfect delight in the Father; His petitions are always granted (John 11:42). He invites His followers into this relationship: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13). Thus מִשְׁאָלָה finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Son, who aligns believers’ desires with the Father’s will through the Spirit’s work. Summary מִשְׁאָלָה represents desires elevated into faithful petitions. Limited to two strategic psalms, the term teaches that when God Himself is the believer’s delight, He graciously grants the requests that flow from such a heart. This theme weaves through redemptive history, culminating in Christ and continuing in the church’s confident prayer life today. Forms and Transliterations מִשְׁאֲלֹ֥ת מִשְׁאֲלוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ משאלותיך׃ משאלת miš’ălōṯ miš’ălōwṯeḵā miš·’ă·lō·w·ṯe·ḵā miš·’ă·lōṯ mishaLot mishaloTeichaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 20:5 HEB: יְ֝הוָ֗ה כָּל־ מִשְׁאֲלוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ NAS: fulfill all your petitions. KJV: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. INT: may the LORD all your petitions Psalm 37:4 2 Occurrences |
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