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.
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.
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.
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.
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