### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chăgâv**, represented by `{{H2288}}`, refers to a **rift in rocks; cleft**. Its root carries the meaning of taking refuge. It appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, yet it conveys a powerful dual meaning of both humble safety and prideful security.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2288}}` describes a place of physical refuge in a rock. In Song of Solomon, it is a place of safety and intimacy, where the beloved is pictured as a **dove** `{{H3123}}` hiding "in the clefts{H2288} of the rock" [[Song of Solomon 2:14]]. In contrast, the prophets use the term to illustrate a source of false security. Both Obadiah and Jeremiah describe a people whose **pride** `{{H2087}}` has deceived them because they **dwellest** `{{H7931}}` "in the clefts{H2288} of the rock{H5553}" ([[Obadiah 1:3]]; [[Jeremiah 49:16]]). They trust in their high, fortified position, believing they are beyond reach.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the dual nature of dwelling in the clefts:
* `{{H5553}}` **çelaʻ** (a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)): This word is used alongside `{{H2288}}` in all three of its occurrences, establishing the physical context. A rock can be a divine fortress, as when the LORD is called "my rock{H5553}" [[Psalms 18:2]], or it can be a merely human one.
* `{{H7931}}` **shâkan** (to reside or permanently stay): This term describes the attitude of those in Obadiah and Jeremiah who "dwellest{H7931}" in the clefts, suggesting a permanent, settled pride rather than temporary refuge [[Jeremiah 49:16]]. It stands in contrast to the high and holy place where God himself chooses to **dwell** `{{H7931}}` [[Isaiah 57:15]].
* `{{H2087}}` **zâdôwn** (arrogance; presumptuously, pride): This is the corrupting factor that turns a place of refuge into a target for judgment. It is the "pride{H2087} of thine heart" that deceives those in the clefts of the rock [[Obadiah 1:3]].
* `{{H3123}}` **yôwnâh** (a dove): In Song of Solomon, the **dove** `{{H3123}}` in the clefts is an object of love and affection, a creature sought after in its place of secret refuge [[Song of Solomon 2:14]]. This presents a humble image of one seeking protection.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2288}}` lies in its illustration of true versus false security.
* **A Place of Refuge:** At its core, a cleft in a rock is a hiding place. It can be a positive symbol of intimacy and safety, where the beloved is protected [[Song of Solomon 2:14]]. This aligns with the concept of God as a **hiding place** `{{H5643}}` and source of protection [[Psalms 32:7]].
* **The Deception of Pride:** The passages in Obadiah and Jeremiah warn that a physical stronghold is worthless when it fosters pride. Those dwelling in the clefts are deceived by the **pride** `{{H2087}}` of their **heart** `{{H3820}}`, trusting in their own high position rather than God [[Obadiah 1:3]].
* **The Limits of Earthly Fortresses:** The word is used to teach that no earthly refuge can protect from divine judgment. Though one might make their **nest** `{{H7064}}` "as high{H1361} as the eagle{H5404}," God promises to bring them down [[Jeremiah 49:16]]. True security is not found in a high fortress but in a humble spirit.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2288}}` **chăgâv** is a specific term for a cleft in a rock that carries significant symbolic meaning. It can represent a secret, intimate place of safety for the humble, as seen with the dove in Song of Solomon. However, it more frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for the false security of human pride, demonstrating that any refuge built on arrogance rather than reliance on God will ultimately fail.
TRV