### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun baqqâshâh (בַּקָּשָׁה, `{{H1246}}`) is derived from the verbal root bâqash (בָּקַשׁ, `{{H1245}}`), which carries the core meaning "to seek," "to ask," "to request," or "to desire." As a feminine noun, baqqâshâh specifically denotes the *act* of seeking or asking, or the *object/result* of that act, hence "a petition," "a request," or "a desire." It implies an earnest or formal appeal, often directed towards a figure of authority, seeking a particular outcome, favor, or information. Unlike a casual inquiry, baqqâshâh suggests a deliberate and often significant articulation of need or desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term baqqâshâh (`{{H1246}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Esther and Daniel, with a single significant occurrence in 1 Chronicles. Its limited but strategic placement imbues it with considerable weight.
* **Esther 5:3, 5:7, 5:8, 7:2, 7:3:** In the book of Esther, baqqâshâh is central to Queen Esther's courageous and divinely orchestrated intercession for the Jewish people.
* In [[Esther 5:3]], King Ahasuerus asks Esther, "What is your petition (`{{H1246}}`)? It shall be granted you." This initial inquiry from the king establishes his willingness to grant her request, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
* Esther's strategic delay in [[Esther 5:7]] and [[Esther 5:8]], where she defers her "petition" (`{{H1246}}`) to a second banquet, highlights her wisdom and careful planning, building suspense and ensuring the optimal moment for her revelation.
* Ultimately, in [[Esther 7:2]] and [[Esther 7:3]], the king presses her again, and Esther finally articulates her "petition" (`{{H1246}}`) for her life and the lives of her people, directly exposing Haman's wicked plot. Here, baqqâshâh carries the profound weight of a plea for survival.
* **Daniel 6:7, 6:13:** In Daniel, baqqâshâh is used in the context of the decree forbidding prayer to anyone but King Darius.
* [[Daniel 6:7]] describes the "petition" (`{{H1246}}`) or "request" proposed by the envious administrators and satraps to the king, a manipulative scheme designed to ensnare Daniel. This illustrates the potential for a "petition" to be used for malicious purposes.
* [[Daniel 6:13]] then reveals that Daniel was found making "petition" (`{{H1246}}`) to his God, thereby directly violating the decree. In this context, baqqâshâh signifies an act of unwavering faithfulness and devotion to God, even in the face of mortal danger and human prohibition.
* **1 Chronicles 4:10:** This verse records the notable prayer of Jabez.
* [[1 Chronicles 4:10]] concludes, "God granted him what he requested (בַּקָּשָׁתוֹ, baqqâshâto)." The pronominal suffix indicates "his petition." This instance stands as a powerful testament to the efficacy of a specific, earnest prayer made to God, and God's gracious response.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **bâqash (בָּקַשׁ, `{{H1245}}`):** The foundational verbal root from which baqqâshâh is derived. It signifies the action of "seeking" or "requesting," making baqqâshâh the noun form representing the request itself or the act of making it.
* **tᵉphillâh (תְּפִלָּה, `{{H8605}}`):** This is the most common Hebrew word for "prayer" in a general sense, encompassing praise, confession, and supplication. While baqqâshâh focuses on a specific request, tᵉphillâh denotes the broader act of communication with God. A baqqâshâh may be an integral part of a tᵉphillâh.
* **shaʾal (שָׁאַל, `{{H7592}}`):** Another frequent verb meaning "to ask," "to inquire," or "to request." Its nominal forms, such as shᵉʾēlâh (שְׁאֵלָה, `{{H7596}}`), also mean "request" or "petition." While similar, bâqash and its derivative baqqâshâh often convey a greater sense of earnestness, diligence, or even desperation in the seeking than shaʾal.
* **tᵉḥinnâh (תְּחִנָּה, `{{H8467}}`):** Meaning "supplication" or "pleading," often with an emphasis on seeking grace or favor. This term highlights humility and dependence, aligning with the earnest and often urgent nature implied by baqqâshâh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of baqqâshâh (`{{H1246}}`) is profound, illustrating the dynamics between human desire, divine sovereignty, and the power of earnest appeal.
* **Human Agency and Divine Response:** The narratives involving baqqâshâh underscore the importance of human agency in articulating specific needs and desires, whether to earthly rulers or to God. Esther's baqqâshâh is a testament to courageous human action that God sovereignly uses for deliverance. Daniel's baqqâshâh exemplifies unwavering faithfulness that God honors with miraculous intervention. Jabez's baqqâshâh demonstrates God's gracious willingness to respond to specific, God-honoring requests.
* **The Nature of Prayer:** Baqqâshâh illuminates an aspect of prayer that is focused, intentional, and often urgent. It is not a vague wish but a clearly stated petition. This resonates with biblical encouragement to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" ([[Matthew 7:7]]). The term reinforces the belief that God hears and responds to specific, heartfelt prayers, particularly those offered in faith and aligned with His purposes.
* **Faithfulness in Adversity:** In the case of Daniel, his baqqâshâh represents an act of profound faith and obedience, prioritizing his relationship with God over the dictates of human law. This highlights the theological principle that true worship involves unyielding devotion, even when it incurs severe consequences.
* **Divine Providence and Intercession:** The story of Esther powerfully illustrates how a human baqqâshâh, made with wisdom and courage, can be a divinely used instrument for the deliverance of an entire people. This prefigures the concept of intercessory prayer and God's use of His people as agents in His redemptive plan.
### Summary
Baqqâshâh (בַּקָּשָׁה, `{{H1246}}`) is a significant Hebrew term denoting a "petition" or "request," derived from the verb "to seek" (`{{H1245}}`). Though limited in its biblical occurrences, primarily found in Esther, Daniel, and 1 Chronicles, its contexts are exceptionally rich. The word highlights an earnest, often formal, and specific appeal made to one in authority, whether a king or God Himself. The biblical narratives demonstrate baqqâshâh as a vehicle for courageous intercession, an expression of unwavering faith in the face of persecution, and a testament to the divine willingness to hear and grant the specific desires of His faithful. It encapsulates the focused nature of a plea and the hope for a positive, often life-altering, response, underscoring the dynamic interplay between human initiative and divine sovereignty.
TRV