probably an orthographical variation for בַּתָּה; desolation; waste.
Transliteration:bâthâh
Pronunciation:baw-thaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בָּתָה (bâthâh), Strong's `{{H1326}}`, is defined primarily as "desolation" or "waste." Lexicographers often note it as an orthographical variation of בַּתָּה (battah), Strong's `{{H1327}}`. The core semantic range encompasses a state of ruin, emptiness, or destruction, particularly as it pertains to land or habitation. It implies a condition where a place once inhabited, cultivated, or flourishing has been reduced to an uninhabitable or unproductive state. This desolation is not merely natural decay but often the result of destructive forces, leading to abandonment and barrenness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בָּתָה (bâthâh) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the prophetic book of Isaiah, underscoring its usage in contexts of judgment and societal upheaval.
1. **[[Isaiah 5:17]]**: "Then lambs will graze as in their pasture, and nomads will feed among the ruins (בָּתָה) of the rich."
In this context, the "ruins" or "desolate places" refer to the aftermath of divine judgment upon the wealthy and oppressive elements of Judahite society. The land that once belonged to the rich, likely cultivated and prosperous, is now laid waste. This desolation serves as a pasture for lambs and nomads, signifying a reversal of fortunes and a return to a more primitive, perhaps just, state for the marginalized. The term highlights the physical manifestation of the consequences of injustice and spiritual rebellion.
2. **[[Isaiah 7:19]]**: "And they will come and all of them will rest in the desolate valleys (בָּתָה) and in the clefts of the rocks, and on all thorn bushes and on all pastures."
Here, בָּתָה describes the "desolate valleys" where the invading Assyrian forces (represented by the "fly" and "bee" in the preceding verses) will settle. The prophecy depicts a land so thoroughly devastated by the invasion that even the invaders find their resting places in its desolate, abandoned areas. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending destruction and the utter ruin that will befall Judah, transforming its cultivated lands into places of waste and wilderness.
In both occurrences, בָּתָה signifies a state of profound emptiness and ruin, directly linked to the consequences of human sin and the instruments of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted in its definition, בָּתָה (bâthâh, `{{H1326}}`) is closely related to בַּתָּה (battah, `{{H1327}}`), which also carries the meaning of "desolation" or "waste" and appears in [[Zephaniah 2:9]] in a similar prophetic context of judgment.
Other significant Hebrew terms conveying similar concepts of desolation and ruin include:
* חָרְבָּה (ḥorbah, `{{H2723}}`): A very common term for "desolation," "waste," or "ruin," often used to describe destroyed cities or lands.
* שְׁמָמָה (shmāmāh, `{{H8077}}`): Signifying "desolation," "waste," or "appalling ruin," frequently employed in prophetic books to denote the consequences of divine judgment.
* עָרִיץ (aritz, `{{H6149}}`): While meaning "terrible" or "ruthless," it is often associated with the agents or results of desolation.
The concept of "desolation" is deeply intertwined with biblical themes such as:
* **Divine Judgment**: The physical manifestation of God's wrath against sin.
* **Covenant Curses**: The stipulated consequences for disobedience to God's covenant, often outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.
* **Land's Sabbath**: The idea that the land itself requires rest, and its desolation can be a consequence of its violation (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:34-35]]).
* **Reversal of Fortune**: The overturning of established order, where the prosperous are brought low and their lands laid waste.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בָּתָה (bâthâh) lies in its portrayal of the physical and tangible consequences of spiritual rebellion and divine judgment. When God's people turn away from Him, the land itself bears witness to their sin, becoming desolate. This desolation is not merely a natural disaster but a direct outworking of God's righteous character and His covenant faithfulness.
In Isaiah's prophecies, בָּתָה serves as a stark reminder of the impermanence of human prosperity and security apart from God's blessing. The land, which was a central component of God's covenant promises to Israel, becomes a canvas for depicting the severity of His judgment. The desolation described allows for a reordering of society, as seen in [[Isaiah 5:17]], where the ruins of the rich become accessible to the poor, hinting at a divine justice that levels societal inequalities.
Furthermore, the term underscores the prophetic warning: nations and peoples who persist in unrighteousness will face a future of devastation. The land's desolation becomes a sign to all, testifying to the holiness of God and the certainty of His word, whether in blessing or in judgment. It is a powerful image of the consequences of breaking faith with the Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּתָה (bâthâh, `{{H1326}}`) denotes "desolation" or "waste," likely an orthographical variant of בַּתָּה (battah, `{{H1327}}`). Its two occurrences in Isaiah ([[Isaiah 5:17]], [[Isaiah 7:19]]) consistently describe a state of ruin or abandonment, often as the direct consequence of divine judgment upon a land or its inhabitants due to their sin. Theologically, בָּתָה highlights the physical manifestation of God's righteous wrath, serving as a powerful warning of the consequences of disobedience and a testament to the impermanence of human endeavors apart from God's favor. It vividly portrays the land itself becoming a witness to the outworking of God's justice and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.
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