### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâdâh**, represented by `{{H1718}}`, describes a specific manner of movement, defined as **to walk gently** or **go softly**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Despite its infrequent use, it powerfully conveys a pace determined by internal emotion, whether it is the collective movement of a procession or the somber walk of a humbled soul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two occurrences of `{{H1718}}` illustrate its distinct applications. In [[Psalms 42:4]], the psalmist recalls a time of joyful worship, remembering how he "went with them" `{{H1718}}` as part of a **multitude** (`hâmôwn` `{{H1995}}`) proceeding to the **house** (`bayith` `{{H1004}}`) of **God** (`ʼĕlôhîym` `{{H430}}`). The context is one of communal celebration and praise. In contrast, [[Isaiah 38:15]] uses the term to describe King Hezekiah's response after God has spoken to him and delivered him; he vows, "I shall **go softly** all my **years** in the **bitterness** of my **soul**." Here, the gentle walk is not one of public procession but of personal humility and lifelong reflection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the emotional and physical context of this gentle movement:
* `{{H2287}}` **châgag** (to observe a festival; keep a holyday): This word appears alongside `{{H1718}}` in [[Psalms 42:4]], where the psalmist is with a **multitude** that **kept holyday**. It signifies the festive, celebratory nature of the procession.
* `{{H4751}}` **mar** (bitter; bitterness): This term provides the emotional backdrop for the use of `{{H1718}}` in [[Isaiah 38:15]]. Hezekiah's promise to **go softly** is a direct result of the **bitterness** of his **soul** (`nephesh` `{{H5315}}`), linking his humbled pace to his inner suffering.
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (soul; life, person, mind): This word is central to both occurrences of `{{H1718}}`. In [[Psalms 42:4]], the psalmist pours out his **soul** as he remembers the procession. In [[Isaiah 38:15]], Hezekiah's walk is dictated by the **bitterness** of his **soul**. It shows that this manner of walking is an outward expression of a deep internal state.
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H1718}}` carries theological weight by connecting physical movement to one's spiritual condition.
* **A Pace of Worship:** The procession in [[Psalms 42:4]] illustrates that physical movement can be an act of worship. To **go** `{{H1718}}` with the **multitude** (`hâmôwn` `{{H1995}}`) toward the **house** (`bayith` `{{H1004}}`) of **God** (`ʼĕlôhîym` `{{H430}}`) is a communal expression of devotion, accompanied by the **voice** (`qôwl` `{{H6963}}`) of **joy** (`rinnâh` `{{H7440}}`) and **praise** (`tôwdâh` `{{H8426}}`).
* **A Walk of Humility:** In [[Isaiah 38:15]], the act of going **softly** is a posture of humility and reverence before God. After God has **spoken** (`ʼâmar` `{{H559}}`) and **done** (`ʻâsâh` `{{H6213}}`) His will, Hezekiah's response is not a grand gesture but a quiet, lifelong walk reflecting the profound impact of God's intervention on his **soul** (`nephesh` `{{H5315}}`).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1718}}` **dâdâh** is a nuanced term for movement that is defined not by its speed but by its motivation. Though appearing only twice, it powerfully illustrates how one's physical pace can reflect the state of the **soul** (`nephesh` `{{H5315}}`). It can describe the gentle, rhythmic movement of a worshipful procession to God's **house** (`bayith` `{{H1004}}`) [[Psalms 42:4]] or the slow, deliberate walk of a person humbled by life's **bitterness** (`mar` `{{H4751}}`) [[Isaiah 38:15]]. In both cases, **dâdâh** shows that how we walk can be an outward sign of our inward journey.
TRV