from an unused root apparently meaning to crackle; a dry twig or brushwood; melting.
Transliteration:hâmâç
Pronunciation:haw-mawce'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word הָמָס (hâmâç, `{{H2003}}`) stems from an unused root that apparently conveys the sense of "to crackle." This root meaning provides a fascinating foundation for its various semantic applications. The primary definitions associated with הָמָס are twofold: "a dry twig or brushwood" and "melting." While seemingly disparate, both meanings can be conceptually linked through the idea of intense heat or fire. Dry twigs crackle when burned, and intense heat causes melting. In its sole biblical occurrence, the meaning clearly points to the latter, describing a transformative, liquefying effect. Thus, while the potential for "dry brushwood" exists, the contextual usage firmly establishes "melting" as the operative meaning, particularly in relation to the destructive and transformative power of fire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הָמָס (hâmâç, `{{H2003}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 64:2]]**: "As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!" (כְּאֵשׁ הָמָסִים תִּבְעַר אֵשׁ מַיִם תַּבְעֶה אֵשׁ לְהוֹדִיעַ שִׁמְךָ לְצָרֶיךָ מִפָּנֶיךָ גּוֹיִם יִרְגָּזוּ)
In this powerful passage, the prophet Isaiah offers a fervent prayer for divine intervention, imploring God to "rend the heavens" and "come down" ([[Isaiah 64:1]]). The imagery employed is one of overwhelming power and majesty. The phrase "כְּאֵשׁ הָמָסִים" (kĕ'ēš hâmâçîm) is most accurately rendered "as a fire of melting" or "as melting fire." The Septuagint translates this as "ὡς πῦρ τήκον κηρόν" (hōs pyr tēkon kēron), "as fire melting wax," which strongly supports the "melting" interpretation and vividly portrays the intensity of the fire.
The context describes the effect of God's presence on creation and on His adversaries. Just as an intensely hot fire causes solid substances to melt and water to boil, so too will God's awesome presence cause mountains to "flow down" ([[Isaiah 64:1]]) and nations to "tremble." The "melting fire" is a metaphor for the irresistible, consuming, and transformative power of Yahweh, which utterly dissolves opposition and reveals His glory to the world. It is an image of divine judgment and manifestation, where the very elements of creation respond to the Creator's power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by הָמָס (hâmâç, `{{H2003}}`) in [[Isaiah 64:2]] resonates with several related biblical themes and terms:
* **Fire (אֵשׁ, 'êš, `{{H784}}`)**: This is the most direct conceptual link, as הָמָס modifies "fire." Fire in Scripture often symbolizes God's presence, holiness, judgment, and refining power (e.g., [[Exodus 3:2]], [[Deuteronomy 4:24]], [[Hebrews 12:29]]).
* **Melting/Dissolving (מָסַח, māsaḥ, `{{H4549}}`; נָמַס, nāmas, `{{H5140}}`)**: These verbs frequently describe the liquefaction of solids, often in the context of fear, dread, or divine judgment causing the hearts or strength of people to melt (e.g., [[Joshua 2:9]], [[Psalm 97:5]]). The imagery of mountains melting before God's presence is a recurring motif (e.g., [[Judges 5:5]], [[Psalm 97:5]], [[Micah 1:4]], [[Nahum 1:5]]).
* **Theophany and Divine Judgment**: The passage in [[Isaiah 64:1-2]] is a powerful depiction of a theophany, where God reveals Himself in majestic and awe-inspiring power. This often involves elemental phenomena like fire, earthquakes, and mountains quaking, symbolizing God's absolute sovereignty and His coming to judge or deliver.
* **Consuming Power**: The "melting fire" speaks to God's ability to consume, destroy, and utterly transform. This is not merely physical destruction but also the dissolution of human pride and opposition in the face of divine glory.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet profound use of הָמָס (hâmâç, `{{H2003}}`) as "melting fire" in [[Isaiah 64:2]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a vivid metaphor for the unparalleled power and holiness of God.
1. **Divine Majesty and Sovereignty**: The imagery underscores God's absolute control over creation. His presence is so potent that it causes the very mountains to "flow" and solid substances to "melt." This speaks to His ultimate authority and the inability of anything, whether natural elements or human adversaries, to withstand Him.
2. **Judgment and Revelation**: The "melting fire" is an agent of both judgment and revelation. It is intended to "make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence." God's overwhelming power is not merely destructive but purposeful, serving to manifest His glory and righteous judgment to those who oppose Him. This revelation evokes a response of fear and awe.
3. **Transformative Power**: Beyond mere destruction, the "melting" effect suggests a radical transformation. Just as solid matter is changed into a molten state, God's intervention fundamentally alters circumstances and reveals His true nature. This transformative power can be both terrifying for adversaries and wondrous for those who seek His presence.
4. **The Earnestness of Prayer**: The prophet's plea for God to act with such overwhelming power highlights the desperate need for divine intervention in the face of human sin and suffering. It expresses a deep yearning for God to manifest His presence in a way that leaves no doubt about His identity and power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הָמָס (hâmâç, `{{H2003}}`), though defined as both "dry twig" and "melting," is employed in its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 64:2]] to denote "melting." As "melting fire," it portrays the intense, transformative, and consuming power of God's presence. This singular usage powerfully contributes to the prophetic depiction of Yahweh's majesty, His sovereign control over creation, and His righteous intervention in history. The imagery of a fire so potent it causes mountains to melt and nations to tremble serves to reveal God's name to His adversaries, underscoring His ultimate authority and the profound awe His presence inspires. It is a word that encapsulates the overwhelming and unyielding might of the Almighty.
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