feminine intensive from בָּצַר; restraint (of rain), i.e. drought; dearth, drought.
Transliteration:batstsôreth
Pronunciation:bats-tso'-reth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word batstsôreth (`{{H1226}}`) is a feminine intensive noun derived from the verb bāṣar (`{{H1219}}`), which primarily means "to cut off," "to fortify," or "to restrain." The intensive form of batstsôreth conveys a powerful sense of being severely "cut off" or "restrained" in the context of water. Its core meaning is "drought" or "dryness," specifically referring to a prolonged and severe lack of rain. The definition also extends to "dearth," highlighting the inevitable consequence of drought: scarcity of food, resources, and general sustenance. This lexical connection to "restraint" underscores the idea that the absence of rain is not merely a natural occurrence but often a divinely orchestrated withholding, a cutting off of vital life-giving moisture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term batstsôreth (`{{H1226}}`) appears in various prophetic and historical books, consistently conveying the dire consequences of a lack of rainfall. Its occurrences highlight its role as both a physical calamity and a theological sign:
* **Divine Judgment and Discipline:** Most frequently, batstsôreth is presented as a direct consequence of Israel's covenant disobedience. In [[Jeremiah 14:1]], the phrase "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought" introduces a lament over the land's desolation, directly linking the drought to the people's sin. The ensuing verses (e.g., [[Jeremiah 14:2-6]]) graphically describe the suffering of the land, people, and animals, emphasizing the widespread impact of God's judgment.
* **Prophetic Warnings and Lamentations:** Prophets often employ batstsôreth as a warning of impending judgment or as a description of current suffering. In [[Haggai 1:11]], the Lord declares, "And I called for a drought on the land and on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on men and on animals, and on all the toil of your hands." This verse explicitly attributes the drought to divine action and details its comprehensive destructive power over all aspects of life and labor.
* **Contrast with Blessing:** The concept of batstsôreth is often contrasted with the blessings of abundant rain and fertility promised for obedience. For instance, [[Jeremiah 17:8]] speaks of the blessed person who is like a tree planted by water, whose leaf is green and "shall not be anxious in the year of drought" (referring to batstsôreth), illustrating the security and provision found in trusting the Lord, even amidst widespread hardship.
These contexts consistently portray batstsôreth as a severe, God-ordained trial, pressing the people to acknowledge their reliance on Him and to turn from their rebellious ways.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding batstsôreth (`{{H1226}}`) includes several interconnected Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Root bāṣar (`{{H1219}}`):** The verbal root from which batstsôreth is derived, signifying "to cut off," "to restrain," or "to make inaccessible." This directly informs the meaning of drought as a "restraint" of rain.
* **Words for Rain:** Terms like māṭār (rain, `{{H4306}}`), yôreh (early rain, `{{H3138}}`), and malqôš (latter rain, `{{H4456}}`) are the blessings whose absence constitutes batstsôreth.
* **Words for Famine and Scarcity:** rāʿāb (famine, `{{H7458}}`) is a frequent companion and direct consequence of batstsôreth, as the lack of rain leads to crop failure and widespread hunger.
* **Covenant Curses:** The concept of batstsôreth is deeply embedded within the covenant curses outlined in the Torah, particularly in [[Deuteronomy 28:23-24]], where the heavens become "bronze" and the earth "iron," signifying the withholding of rain as a judgment for disobedience.
* **Divine Withholding:** The broader theological concept of God "shutting up" the heavens (e.g., [[1 Kings 8:35]], [[Deuteronomy 11:17]]) is intrinsically linked to batstsôreth, emphasizing God's control over the natural elements as a means of divine interaction with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of batstsôreth (`{{H1226}}`) is multifaceted and profound:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** Batstsôreth powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, particularly His control over the elements and the provision of life-sustaining rain. It is depicted not as a random natural disaster but as a deliberate act of divine judgment. This judgment serves as a stark reminder of humanity's utter dependence on God for sustenance and prosperity, and the severe consequences of rejecting His covenant.
* **Call to Repentance and Humility:** While a form of judgment, batstsôreth often functions as a severe discipline intended to bring about repentance. The suffering and desolation caused by drought are designed to humble the people, turn their hearts back to the Lord, acknowledge their sin, and seek His mercy. The prophetic appeals during times of drought consistently emphasize this call to spiritual renewal.
* **Symbol of Spiritual Barrenness:** Beyond its physical manifestation, batstsôreth can carry symbolic weight, representing spiritual barrenness or a lack of God's blessing and presence due to spiritual unfaithfulness. Just as the land withers without physical rain, so too can the soul and community languish without the "living water" of God's Spirit, His word, and His grace.
* **Highlighting God's Faithfulness:** Paradoxically, the threat or experience of batstsôreth underscores the preciousness of God's promised provision and blessing. When the land flourishes with rain and fertility, it is a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness and grace. The absence of rain, therefore, serves to magnify the wonder and necessity of His continual sustenance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word batstsôreth (`{{H1226}}`), derived from bāṣar (`{{H1219}}`) meaning "to restrain" or "cut off," denotes a severe and prolonged "drought" or "dearth." This intensive feminine noun emphasizes the complete cessation or withholding of rain, leading to widespread scarcity and suffering. In the biblical narrative, batstsôreth is not merely a natural phenomenon but a profound theological concept. It primarily serves as a powerful manifestation of divine judgment and discipline, a direct consequence of covenant infidelity and disobedience. Prophets frequently lament and warn of batstsôreth as a sign of God's displeasure, aiming to call His people to repentance and a renewed trust in His provision. The word thus underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His justice in judgment, and His compassionate desire for His people to return to Him, recognizing their utter dependence on His life-giving grace.
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