### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hâzâh**, represented by `{{H1957}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **dream** or **sleep**. It is a very rare term, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its lone appearance is used to deliver a powerful and negative description of failed leadership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1957}}` is found in a prophecy against the failed leaders of Israel. In [[Isaiah 56:10]], the nation's watchmen are condemned as blind, ignorant, and silent like dogs that cannot bark. The word, translated as **sleeping**, is part of a sequence of rebukes highlighting their complete dereliction of duty, noting they are "**sleeping**, lying down, loving to slumber" [[Isaiah 56:10]]. This context associates the word not with peaceful rest, but with lazy negligence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the same verse build upon this theme of failed vigilance:
* `{{H6822}}` **tsâphâh** (to observe, await, watch): This word identifies the subjects of the critique as **watchmen**, whose primary role is to be observant, making their state of "sleeping" a direct contradiction of their duty [[Isaiah 56:10]].
* `{{H5123}}` **nûwm** (to slumber): Used in the same phrase, this word reinforces the idea of drowsiness and inaction. The watchmen are not only "sleeping" `{{H1957}}` but also love **to slumber** [[Isaiah 56:10]], emphasizing their deep-seated laziness.
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab** (to lie down): This word describes the physical posture of the negligent watchmen. Their act of **lying down** is paired with "sleeping," painting a vivid picture of individuals at rest when they should be on guard [[Isaiah 56:10]].
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): The watchmen are described as **ignorant**, lacking the knowledge they need to lead. This highlights that their "sleeping" is a symptom of a deeper spiritual and intellectual failure [[Isaiah 56:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1957}}` is derived entirely from its pointed use in this single instance of judgment.
* **Dereliction of Duty:** The use of **hâzâh** to describe watchmen `{{H6822}}` is a potent theological indictment. A watchman's duty is to be vigilant, as seen in passages where they are set to warn the people [[Ezekiel 3:17]]. To be found "sleeping" is to completely abandon this sacred responsibility.
* **Spiritual Incompetence:** The state of **sleeping** is the ultimate expression of the leaders' spiritual condition, as detailed in the same verse. They are described as blind `{{H5787}}` and ignorant `{{H3045}}`. Their sleep is a metaphor for their lack of spiritual awareness and understanding.
* **Contrast with Divine Vigilance:** The word for "slumber" `{{H5123}}`, used alongside **hâzâh**, appears elsewhere to state that God, the keeper of Israel, will never **slumber** nor sleep [[Psalms 121:4]]. This creates a stark contrast between the failing human shepherds who are **sleeping** and the ever-watchful God who never rests.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H1957}}` is used only once, its meaning is sharp and clear. It is not a word for simple rest, but a term used to signify profound negligence and spiritual failure. By depicting Israel's leaders as **sleeping**, the prophet Isaiah crafts a powerful image of abandoned duty. The word serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences when those tasked with spiritual oversight are themselves spiritually asleep.
TRV