(1.) Hebrews matstsab, a station; a place where one stands (1 Samuel 14:12); a military or fortified post (1 Samuel 13:23; 14:1, 4, 6, etc.).
(2.) Hebrews netsib, a prefect, superintendent; hence a military post (1 Samuel 10:5; 13:3, 4; 2 Samuel 8:6). This word has also been explained to denote a pillar set up to Mark the Philistine conquest, or an officer appointed to collect taxes; but the idea of a military post seems to be the correct one.
(3.) Hebrews matstsebah, properly a monumental column; improperly rendered pl. "garrisons" in Ezek. 26:11; correctly in Revised Version "pillars," marg. "obelisks," probably an idolatrous image.
