### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châbâh**, represented by `{{H2247}}`, is a primitive root that means **to secrete** or **hide (self)**. It is a specific term that appears only **5 times** in **5 unique verses** of the Bible. Its use consistently involves the act of physical concealment, often as a response to danger, judgment, or as a strategic maneuver.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{H2247}}` describes hiding for different reasons. For self-preservation, Rahab instructs the Israelite spies to **hide** themselves in the mountains to evade their pursuers [[Joshua 2:16]]. As a result of shame, Micaiah foretells that a false prophet will go into an inner chamber to **hide** himself [[1 Kings 22:25]]. In a tactical sense, the king of Israel suspects his enemies have gone to **hide** themselves in a field to lay an ambush [[2 Kings 7:12]]. Conversely, God commands his people to **hide** as an act of seeking refuge until His indignation is over [[Isaiah 26:20]]. However, hiding is not always possible, as God declares He has made Esau bare, and he will not be able to **hide** himself from judgment [[Jeremiah 49:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of hiding:
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (to run after, pursue): This word establishes the threat that necessitates hiding, as the spies had to hide from their **pursuers** [[Joshua 2:16]].
* `{{H5462}}` **çâgar** (to shut up, inclose): This action often accompanies hiding. God's people are told to enter their chambers and **shut** their doors to hide themselves [[Isaiah 26:20]].
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to uncover, reveal): This serves as the direct opposite of `{{H2247}}`. While people attempt to hide, God is able to **uncover** secret places, making hiding from Him futile [[Jeremiah 49:10]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This word describes the movement into a place of concealment, such as when one will **go** into an inner chamber to hide [[1 Kings 22:25]] or when God's people are told to **enter** their chambers [[Isaiah 26:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2247}}` is found in the contrast between hiding as a human act and its relationship to God's sovereignty.
* **A Place of Refuge:** Hiding is not portrayed as inherently negative. In [[Isaiah 26:20]], it is a command from God, turning a physical act of concealment into a posture of waiting for divine protection during a time of wrath.
* **A Response to Fear:** In other contexts, hiding is a purely human reaction to fear of other men, whether it is the spies hiding from pursuers [[Joshua 2:16]] or the false prophet hiding from the fulfillment of a true prophecy [[1 Kings 22:25]].
* **The Futility of Hiding from God:** The most significant point is the inability to hide from divine judgment. God's declaration that He has **uncovered** Esau's secret places demonstrates that no person or nation can ultimately conceal themselves from His sight [[Jeremiah 49:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2247}}` provides a focused look at the act of concealment. While it can describe a prudent or necessary human action for survival, its most powerful use highlights a key theological truth: one may hide from other people, but it is impossible to hide from God. The word illustrates the difference between seeking a refuge provided by God and attempting to escape the inescapable reality of His judgment.
TRV