of uncertain derivation; the south; poet. the south wind; south.
Transliteration:dârôwm
Pronunciation:daw-rome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1864 (דָּרוֹם, *dârôwm*) primarily denotes "the south" as a cardinal direction. Its derivation is noted as uncertain, suggesting it may be a foundational term for direction rather than one derived from a more descriptive root. Beyond its literal geographical sense, the word also carries a poetic and meteorological nuance, referring to "the south wind." This dual application highlights its role in describing both static location and dynamic atmospheric phenomena originating from that direction. The semantic range thus encompasses geographical orientation and the powerful, often arid, winds associated with the southern regions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1864 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are significant for understanding its varied applications:
* **Geographical Inheritance:** In [[Deuteronomy 33:23]], dârôwm is used in Moses' blessing of Naphtali, indicating the tribe's territorial inheritance: "Possess thou the west and the south." Here, it functions as a clear geographical marker, alongside "west" (יָם, *yam*), defining the boundaries of the promised land.
* **Meteorological Phenomenon:** The poetic usage of dârôwm as "south wind" is evident in [[Job 37:17]]: "How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?" and in [[Ecclesiastes 1:6]]: "The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirls about continually, and the wind returns again according to his circuits." In these contexts, the south wind is a powerful natural force, indicative of God's control over creation. The south wind in ancient Israel was often associated with warmth, dryness, and sometimes oppressive heat, distinct from the refreshing west wind or the cold north wind.
* **Direction of Judgment/Prophecy:** In the prophetic books, dârôwm takes on a more ominous tone. [[Isaiah 21:1]] describes a vision of judgment: "The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land." Here, the "south" is associated with destructive forces and a "terrible land," suggesting a source of impending doom. Similarly, in Ezekiel's prophecy against Jerusalem, the "south" is the direction of divine judgment: "Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the forest of the south field" [[Ezekiel 20:46]]. This is reiterated in [[Ezekiel 21:4]], where the sword of the Lord is drawn "toward the south." In these instances, the south serves as a directional marker for the scope and origin of God's righteous wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
H1864 exists alongside other Hebrew terms for "south," each with distinct nuances:
* `{{H5045}}` (נֶגֶב, *negev*): This is perhaps the most common and significant term for the "south" in the Hebrew Bible, often referring to the semi-arid southern region of Judah, the "Negev desert." While dârôwm is a general cardinal direction, *negev* often denotes a specific geographical region known for its aridity and challenges.
* `{{H8486}}` (תֵּימָן, *teyman*): This term refers to the "south" or "south country," specifically associated with Teman, a district of Edom. It often carries connotations of wisdom or, in prophetic contexts, judgment emanating from that region.
* **Cardinal Directions:** dârôwm is part of the system of cardinal directions that orient the biblical world, contrasting with `{{H6828}}` (צָפוֹן, *tsaphon*, north), `{{H3220}}` (יָם, *yam*, west, literally "sea"), and `{{H6924}}` (קֶדֶם, *qedem*, east, literally "front" or "ancient time"). These directions are not merely geographical but often carry symbolic or theological weight in biblical narrative and prophecy.
* **Wind and Climate:** The association of dârôwm with the "south wind" connects it to broader biblical themes of climate, the power of nature, and God's sovereignty over the elements.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1864 is multifaceted, reflecting its diverse usage:
* **Divine Providence and Order:** As a cardinal direction, dârôwm speaks to the ordered cosmos established by God. His blessing upon Naphtali to possess the "south" in [[Deuteronomy 33:23]] underscores His sovereign allocation of land and blessings.
* **God's Control over Creation:** The repeated mention of the "south wind" in Job and Ecclesiastes highlights God's absolute control over natural forces. The wind, a powerful and often unpredictable element, is ultimately subject to His will, demonstrating His wisdom and might in maintaining the created order. This evokes a sense of awe before the Creator.
* **Source of Challenge and Judgment:** In prophetic literature, the "south" often becomes a symbolic direction from which divine judgment or severe trials emerge. The "whirlwinds in the south" in Isaiah and the sword drawn "toward the south" in Ezekiel suggest that God's judgment can arise from unexpected or desolate quarters, emphasizing His omnipresence and the inescapable nature of His justice. This usage imbues the direction with a sense of gravity and divine purpose, reminding the audience that God's actions are not confined to predictable paths.
* **The Unseen or Distant:** Given its association with desert regions and powerful winds, and its "uncertain derivation," dârôwm can subtly evoke a sense of the distant, the wild, or the unknown, from which powerful forces, both natural and divine, can emerge.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1864 (דָּרוֹם, *dârôwm*) primarily designates "the south" as a cardinal direction, extending to include the "south wind." Its usage in the biblical text reveals a nuanced understanding: it marks a specific geographical region for tribal inheritance, signifies a powerful natural force under divine control, and importantly, serves as a directional vector for divine judgment and prophetic pronouncements. While distinct from other terms for "south" like *negev* and *teyman*, dârôwm contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical directional language, underscoring God's comprehensive sovereignty over the land, the elements, and the unfolding of His righteous will upon humanity.
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