### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **baqqâshâh**, represented by `{{H1246}}`, translates to a **petition** or **request**. Derived from the root word for seeking, it appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in Scripture. Its usage is specific, denoting a formal or significant plea, typically made to a figure of high authority like a king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical appearances of `{{H1246}}` are found exclusively in the books of Ezra and Esther. In Ezra, the king grants the scribe Ezra all his **request** `{{H1246}}`, an act attributed directly to "the hand of the LORD his God upon him" [[Ezra 7:6]]. In the book of Esther, the term is central to the narrative. Queen Esther repeatedly approaches the king with her **request**, which he promises to grant even to "the half of the kingdom" ([[Esther 5:3]], [[Esther 7:2]]). Her plea is not for herself alone, but a life-or-death **request** for her people [[Esther 7:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of how a request is made and fulfilled:
* `{{H7596}}` **shᵉʼêlâh** (petition; request): This word is frequently used alongside **baqqâshâh** in the book of Esther, creating a powerful pair of terms to emphasize the gravity of a formal plea before the king ([[Esther 5:7]], [[Esther 7:3]]).
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give, grant, put, make): This verb is consistently linked to the fulfillment of a **request**. The king repeatedly promises that Esther's **request** shall be **given** `{{H5414}}` or **granted** `{{H5414}}` to her ([[Esther 5:3]], [[Esther 9:12]]).
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make, perform): This verb also signifies the execution of a petition. The king assures Esther that her **request** will be **performed** `{{H6213}}` or **done** `{{H6213}}`, reinforcing the promise of action ([[Esther 5:6]], [[Esther 9:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1246}}` is revealed through its context, where human petitions align with divine purposes.
* **Divine Providence:** The granting of Ezra's **request** is explicitly linked to God's favor, showing how God can work through secular rulers to accomplish His will for His people [[Ezra 7:6]].
* **A Plea for Deliverance:** Esther's **request** is a selfless appeal for the lives of her people [[Esther 7:3]]. Its success demonstrates how a righteous and courageous petition can become the instrument of salvation.
* **The Principle of Fulfillment:** The consistent pairing of **baqqâshâh** with verbs of action like **nâthan** `{{H5414}}` and **ʻâsâh** `{{H6213}}` underscores a theme of answered petitions. This mirrors the broader scriptural principle of a God who gives good things, such as a new heart [[Ezekiel 36:26]] or the desires of the heart to those who delight in Him [[Psalms 37:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **baqqâshâh** `{{H1246}}` is a precise term for a formal **request** directed at an authority figure. Its concentrated use in Ezra and Esther shows how human appeals, particularly those made for the well-being of God's people, can serve as catalysts for divine action. While the word itself describes a human-to-human interaction, the narratives demonstrate that the ultimate fulfillment of these critical requests rests in the hands of a sovereign God.
TRV