The Hebrew words so rendered in the Authorized Version are derivatives from the root natsab , to "place, erect," which may be applied to a variety of objects.

1. Mattsab and mattsabah undoubtedly mean a "garrison" or fortified post. ( 1 Samuel 13:23 ; 14:14 ; 1 Samuel 15 ; 2 Samuel 23:14 )
2. Netsib is also used for a "garrison" in ( 1 Chronicles 11:16 ) but elsewhere for a "column" erected in an enemys country as a token of conquest. ( 1 Samuel 13:3 )
3. The same word elsewhere means "officers" placed over a vanquished people. ( 2 Samuel 8:6 2 Samuel 8:14 ; 1 Chronicles 18:13 ; 2 Chronicles 17:2 )
4. Mattsebah in ( Ezekiel 26:11 ) means a "pillar."