### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zerem**, represented by `{{H2230}}`, refers to a gush of water, often translated as a **flood, overflowing, shower, storm, or tempest**. It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The word consistently denotes a powerful and overwhelming force of nature, often used metaphorically to describe immense trouble or divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2230}}` illustrates both destructive power and the corresponding need for shelter. It is used to describe an agent of divine judgment, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy of a "mighty and strong one" sent by the Lord, which is compared to a **tempest** of hail and a **flood** of mighty waters [[Isaiah 28:2]]. This same imagery of a **tempest** is part of the Lord's glorious voice and indignation [[Isaiah 30:30]]. Conversely, God is presented as a protector from such forces. He is a "refuge from the **storm**" for the poor and needy, and the "blast of the terrible ones is as a **storm** against the wall" [[Isaiah 25:4]]. Similarly, a righteous man is prophesied to be "a covert from the **tempest**" [[Isaiah 32:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the force and effect of `{{H2230}}`:
* `{{H1259}}` **bârâd** (hail): This word often appears alongside `{{H2230}}` to describe a destructive atmospheric event. It is used in the phrase "a tempest of **hail**" [[Isaiah 28:2]] and is part of God's judgment which includes scattering, tempest, and **hailstones** [[Isaiah 30:30]].
* `{{H7857}}` **shâṭaph** (overflow): This verb describes the action of the water associated with `{{H2230}}`. In [[Isaiah 28:2]], the flood of mighty waters is described as **overflowing**, emphasizing the inundating and unstoppable nature of the deluge.
* `{{H4268}}` **machăçeh** (refuge): This term provides the theological counterpoint to the threat of the storm. In passages where `{{H2230}}` represents overwhelming trouble, God is explicitly named as a **refuge** from it [[Isaiah 25:4]]. For the poor, a shelter is desperately needed when exposed to the elements [[Job 24:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2230}}` is demonstrated through its use as a powerful metaphor.
* **Divine Judgment:** The term is frequently employed to depict the overwhelming and forceful nature of God's judgment against sin and pride. The Lord's arm descends with indignation and a **tempest** [[Isaiah 30:30]], and his "mighty and strong one" acts as a destroying **storm** [[Isaiah 28:2]].
* **Overwhelming Hardship:** The word extends beyond divine action to represent any severe trial or oppression. In Job, the unprotected are "wet with the **showers** of the mountains" [[Job 24:8]], and the "blast of the terrible ones" is likened to a **storm** [[Isaiah 25:4]].
* **Promise of Protection:** The intensity of the **storm** serves to highlight the security and sufficiency of God's protection. He provides a **tabernacle** as a "covert from **storm**" [[Isaiah 4:6]] and is Himself a "refuge from the **storm**" [[Isaiah 25:4]], demonstrating His role as the ultimate shelter for His people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2230}}` **zerem** is a vivid and dynamic term that encapsulates more than just a weather event. It functions as a powerful scriptural symbol for overwhelming force, whether it be divine judgment, natural disaster, or human oppression. Its usage consistently pairs this threat with the promise of divine refuge, illustrating both the awesome power of God and His capacity as a secure shelter for the vulnerable in times of trouble.
TRV