### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hâlâʼ**, represented by `{{H1972}}`, means to **remove** or be **remote**, with the specific sense of being **cast far off**. It appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1972}}` is in the prophetic book of Micah. It is used to describe a people who have been exiled or removed from their home, referred to as "her that was **cast far off**" [[Micah 4:7]]. In this context, God promises to take this scattered and distant group and transform them into a "strong nation," illustrating a theme of restoration and redemption from a state of alienation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the promise made to those who were "cast far off":
* `{{H6760}}` **tsâlaʻ** (to limp): This word describes those who are weakened, referred to as "her that halted." It is used in direct parallel to `{{H1972}}` to describe the people God will restore [[Micah 4:7]].
* `{{H7611}}` **shᵉʼêrîyth** (a remainder or residual portion): This term defines the "remnant" that God will make from those who were weakened and limping, signifying a preserved group destined for a future [[Micah 4:7]].
* `{{H6099}}` **ʻâtsûwm** (powerful; numerous): This describes the outcome for those who were "cast far off." God promises to make them a "strong" nation, signifying a complete reversal of their scattered and weakened condition [[Micah 4:7]].
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (a foreign nation; Gentile, nation, people): This is what the restored group will become. The promise is to turn those who were "cast far off" into a strong **nation** [[Micah 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1972}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
* **Sovereign Restoration:** The use of `{{H1972}}` highlights God's power to reverse states of exile and alienation. The people who are "cast far off" are not forgotten but are the specific subjects of a divine promise of restoration [[Micah 4:7]].
* **Transformation of the Vulnerable:** The term appears alongside "her that halted" `{{H6760}}`, creating a picture of a people who are both physically weakened and geographically scattered. The theological promise is that God will transform these very people into a "strong" `{{H6099}}` nation.
* **Hope for the Exiled:** By describing the people as "cast far off," the word provides a basis for hope to those experiencing judgment or exile. It frames their condition not as a final state, but as a precursor to being made into a "remnant" `{{H7611}}` and a strong people under God's reign.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H1972}}` appears only once, its placement in [[Micah 4:7]] gives it significant weight. The term **hâlâʼ** perfectly captures the state of exile and distance from which God promises redemption. It functions as a key descriptor in a powerful prophecy of hope, illustrating God's commitment to gathering His scattered people and transforming their weakness into strength.
TRV