### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gârâh**, represented by `{{H1624}}`, is a primitive root that means to **contend**, **meddle**, **stir up**, or **strive**. It appears 14 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. The word properly means to grate or anger, and it is used figuratively to describe the act of provoking or initiating conflict and discord.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1624}}` is used to illustrate both sinful provocation and divinely sanctioned conflict. The book of Proverbs frequently connects the act of stirring up strife with a sinful heart, noting that a **wrathful** {H2534} man {H376} **stirreth up** {H1624} strife {H4066} [[Proverbs 15:18]]. In Deuteronomy, the LORD {H3068} commands Israel not to **meddle** {H1624} with the descendants of Esau {H6215} or the children {H1121} of Lot {H3876}, as He had given them their land {H776} as a possession {H3425} ([[Deuteronomy 2:5]], [[Deuteronomy 2:19]]). In contrast, God commands Israel to **contend** {H1624} with Sihon {H5511} the Amorite {H567} in battle {H4421} [[Deuteronomy 2:24]]. Unwarranted meddling, born from a proud heart, leads to ruin, as when the king of Judah {H3063} was warned not to **meddle** to his own hurt {H7451} [[2 Kings 14:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the nature and outcome of the conflict associated with `{{H1624}}`:
* `{{H4066}}` **mâdôwn** (strife): This word, meaning a contest or quarrel, is the direct result of the action of `{{H1624}}`. A person with a proud heart **stirreth up** {H1624} **strife** {H4066} [[Proverbs 28:25]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh** (fury): This describes the internal state of anger that often motivates someone to **stir up** strife. A **furious** {H2534} man {H1167} is said to abound in transgression {H6588} [[Proverbs 29:22]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (battle): This term specifies the context of the contention, particularly in warfare. Israel was forbidden to **contend** with the Moabites {H4124} in **battle** [[Deuteronomy 2:9]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (hurt): This word describes the negative consequence of meddling without cause. The king of Judah was warned not to **meddle** {H1624} to his own **hurt** {H7451}, lest he **fall** {H5307} [[2 Chronicles 25:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1624}}` is demonstrated in its connection to divine authority and human character.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Conflict:** God dictates the appropriate times for conflict. He forbids Israel from meddling with certain nations because He has sovereignly given them their land ([[Deuteronomy 2:5]], [[Deuteronomy 2:9]], [[Deuteronomy 2:19]]), while commanding them to **contend** {H1624} with others to fulfill His purposes [[Deuteronomy 2:24]].
* **The Sinfulness of Pride and Anger:** The act of stirring up contention is consistently tied to sinful attitudes. A proud {H7342} heart {H5315} [[Proverbs 28:25]], an angry {H639} man {H376} [[Proverbs 29:22]], and a heart {H3820} that is lifted up {H5375} [[2 Kings 14:10]] are all sources of destructive meddling.
* **Striving against God:** The most severe application of `{{H1624}}` is when a person or nation strives against the LORD {H3068}. Babylon {H894} was found and caught because it had **striven** {H1624} against the LORD, a transgression that led to its downfall [[Jeremiah 50:24]].
### Summary
In summary, **gârâh** `{{H1624}}` encapsulates the concept of provoking conflict. It serves as a strong scriptural warning against the arrogance and anger that lead to unwarranted strife. The word operates within a theological framework where God's sovereignty determines the legitimacy of conflict, and it starkly portrays the ultimate futility of striving against the LORD Himself. Whether referring to personal disputes or national wars, to **meddle** or **contend** outside of God's will is to invite harm and judgment.
TRV