### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gôshem**, represented by `{{H1656}}`, means **a shower** or to be **rained upon**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole appearance establishes a powerful metaphor, linking the absence of rain to a state of spiritual uncleanness and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its only biblical occurrence, `{{H1656}}` is used to deliver a divine rebuke. The prophet is commanded to describe the land as one that is "not cleansed, nor **rained upon** in the day of indignation" [[Ezekiel 22:24]]. This directly associates the withholding of rain with a period of God's anger and a state of impurity, using a physical condition to illustrate a spiritual reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of being "rained upon":
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure...cleanse...purify): This word is used in parallel with `{{H1656}}` in the phrase "not **cleansed**, nor rained upon" [[Ezekiel 22:24]]. This connection suggests that rain can be a symbol of divine cleansing, as further seen in promises to **cleanse** people from their filthiness [[Ezekiel 36:25]].
* `{{H2195}}` **zaʻam** (fury...indignation): This term establishes the reason for the lack of rain. The event takes place "in the day of **indignation**" [[Ezekiel 22:24]], framing the absence of `{{H1656}}` as an expression of God's displeasure with sin, which can cause the earth to tremble [[Jeremiah 10:10]].
* `{{H776}}` **ʼerets** (the earth...a land): This is the object of the judgment. It is the **land** itself which is not cleansed or rained upon [[Ezekiel 22:24]], illustrating how the physical world can manifest the consequences of sin and be in need of healing [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1656}}` is derived entirely from its single, powerful use in scripture.
* **Symbol of Divine Displeasure:** To be "not rained upon" is presented as a direct consequence of divine judgment. It occurs "in the day of indignation" [[Ezekiel 22:24]], making the withholding of rain a clear sign of God's fury and displeasure with sin.
* **Absence of Purification:** The structure of the verse ("not cleansed, nor rained upon") creates a metaphor where rain is synonymous with a form of cleansing. A land deprived of rain is, therefore, a land left in its state of impurity and filthiness.
* **Reflection of a Nation's State:** The subject of this judgment is the land (`erets`). This shows that the physical condition of the land, specifically its lack of rain, serves as an external indicator of the nation's un-cleansed spiritual state before God [[Ezekiel 22:24]].
### Summary
In summary, **gôshem** `{{H1656}}`, while appearing only once, offers a potent image of divine judgment. Its solitary use in [[Ezekiel 22:24]] transforms the simple concept of being "rained upon" into a symbol of cleansing and divine favor. Consequently, its absence signifies a land under God's "indignation" that remains unpurified. This demonstrates how even the rarest of biblical words can convey profound theological truth through its specific context.
TRV