or (too fully) הֲמוּלָּה; (Jeremiah 11:16), feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to rush (as rain with a windy roar); a sound; speech, tumult.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hămullâh**, represented by `{{H1999}}`, denotes a powerful sound, translated as either **speech** or **tumult**. Derived from an unused root meaning to rush like a windy rain, it appears just **2 times** in **2 unique verses**. Its rarity is contrasted by the intensity of the contexts in which it is found, describing overwhelming auditory experiences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H1999}}` describes sounds of immense power, both divine and destructive. In Ezekiel's vision, it is the sound of the wings of the living creatures, described as "the voice of **speech**" and equated with the voice of the Almighty and the noise of a host [[Ezekiel 1:24]]. In contrast, Jeremiah uses the word to depict God's judgment against Israel, where a "green olive tree" is destroyed with "the noise of a great **tumult**" [[Jeremiah 11:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of the sound described by **hămullâh**:
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): This word is used alongside `{{H1999}}` in both of its occurrences, as "the **voice** of speech" [[Ezekiel 1:24]] and "the **noise** of a great tumult" [[Jeremiah 11:16]], setting the general category of the sound.
* `{{H1419}}` **gâdôwl** (great): In Jeremiah, this word modifies tumult, emphasizing the sheer scale of the destructive sound as a "**great** tumult" [[Jeremiah 11:16]].
* `{{H4264}}` **machăneh** (host): The sound in Ezekiel's vision is compared to the noise of a **host**, suggesting the overwhelming sound produced by a vast army or encampment [[Ezekiel 1:24]].
* `{{H7706}}` **Shadday** (the Almighty): The sound in Ezekiel is directly compared to the voice of **the Almighty**, linking the concept of `{{H1999}}` to a direct expression of divine power [[Ezekiel 1:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1999}}` is tied to its depiction of divine power expressed through sound.
* **The Voice of Divine Majesty:** In Ezekiel, the word contributes to a soundscape that defines the presence of God. It is the "voice of speech" that accompanies the "voice of the Almighty," signifying a powerful, articulate, and awe-inspiring divine presence [[Ezekiel 1:24]].
* **The Noise of Divine Judgment:** In Jeremiah, the word captures the terrifying sound of covenantal punishment. The "great tumult" is the sound of the LORD enacting judgment, breaking the very branches of the people He had named a "fair... olive tree" [[Jeremiah 11:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1999}}` is a specific and powerful term used to convey overwhelming sound. Though appearing only twice, it uniquely captures the dual nature of divine power. It can be the articulate "speech" associated with the presence of the Almighty or the destructive "tumult" of His judgment, demonstrating how the same divine power can be perceived as either an awesome revelation or a terrifying force.
TRV