### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼaggâph**, represented by `{{H102}}`, refers to **bands** of troops, often described as the wings of an army. Its definition suggests a cover or heap, stemming from the idea of something impending. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively in the plural form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H102}}` is used exclusively by the prophet Ezekiel to describe military divisions or troops. It often appears in prophecies concerning large, multinational armies gathered for battle, such as the forces of Gomer and Togarmah [[Ezekiel 38:6]]. The term is frequently used in the context of divine judgment, where these **bands** are depicted as the target of God's wrath, destined to be scattered or destroyed by the sword ([[Ezekiel 17:21]], [[Ezekiel 12:14]]). It emphasizes the organized, yet doomed, nature of the armies opposing God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the context of judgment surrounding these military forces:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This word for a cutting instrument or sword is frequently associated with the fate of the **bands**, which are destined to fall by the **sword** as a form of judgment [[Ezekiel 17:21]].
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall): This primitive root meaning to **fall** or perish is used to describe the ultimate defeat of the **bands** and their leaders upon the mountains of Israel [[Ezekiel 39:4]].
* `{{H2219}}` **zârâh** (to scatter): Signifying to disperse or winnow, this verb describes God's action of scattering the **bands** toward every wind, often in conjunction with drawing out the **sword** after them [[Ezekiel 12:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H102}}` is centered on God's judgment and sovereignty.
* **Divine Judgment:** The term **ʼaggâph** is consistently used to identify the military forces that will face God's direct judgment. They are targets of **pestilence** `{{H1698}}`, bloodshed, and overwhelming force from heaven [[Ezekiel 38:22]].
* **God's Sovereignty over Military Might:** The contexts show that human armies, no matter how vast or organized into **bands**, are ultimately powerless before God. He declares that He will scatter them [[Ezekiel 12:14]] and cause them to **fall** `{{H5307}}`, demonstrating his ultimate authority over the nations.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The destruction of these **bands** serves as a sign to confirm God's spoken word. Their defeat is foretold so that observers "shall know that I the LORD have spoken it" [[Ezekiel 17:21]], linking the fate of these armies to the certainty of prophecy.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H102}}` is a specific term used exclusively in Ezekiel's prophecies to denote the divisions of a great army. While it literally translates to **bands** or wings of troops, its theological significance is tied to divine judgment. The word is never used neutrally; it always identifies groups that are destined for defeat and dispersion at the hand of God. Through **ʼaggâph**, the scripture illustrates that no military assembly can stand against the sovereign power and declared purpose of the LORD.
TRV