### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chûwsh**, represented by `{{H2363}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to hurry**. It appears **20 times** in **20 unique verses**, often conveying a sense of urgency. Figuratively, it can also mean to be eager with excitement or enjoyment, or to be made ready. Its usage ranges from desperate pleas for divine aid to descriptions of swift judgment and decisive human action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2363}}` is frequently used in the Psalms as an urgent cry to God. David and other psalmists repeatedly implore the LORD to "make haste" to deliver or help them in times of trouble ([[Psalms 70:1]], [[Psalms 40:13]], [[Psalms 141:1]]). The word also describes decisive human action, such as when the Israelites prepared to go "ready armed" into battle [[Numbers 32:17]], or when the psalmist "made haste, and delayed not" to keep God's commandments [[Psalms 119:60]]. In prophecy, it is used to describe the swiftness of God's coming judgment [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] and His sovereign power to fulfill His promises, as when He declares, "I the LORD will hasten it in his time" [[Isaiah 60:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the concept of haste and urgency:
* `{{H4116}}` **mâhar** (to hurry... promptly): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H2363}}` to emphasize speed. Mockers challenge God, saying, "Let him make speed `{{H4116}}`, and hasten `{{H2363}}` his work" [[Isaiah 5:19]].
* `{{H309}}` **'âchar** (to loiter... delay, hinder): This term serves as a direct contrast to haste. The psalmist pleads, "make haste unto me, O God... O LORD, make no tarrying `{{H309}}`" [[Psalms 70:5]].
* `{{H4102}}` **mâhahh** (to... hesitate... delay, linger): This word also functions as an antonym, highlighting a lack of urgency. The commitment to God's law is shown in the phrase "I made haste `{{H2363}}`, and delayed `{{H4102}}` not" [[Psalms 119:60]].
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (to snatch away... deliver, escape, rescue): This word often describes the purpose of the haste. The cry "Make haste, O God, to deliver `{{H5337}}` me" links the urgency directly to the need for rescue [[Psalms 70:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2363}}` is significant, revealing a tension between human desperation and divine timing.
* **A Cry for Swift Deliverance:** The repeated use of "make haste" in prayer reflects a raw and honest dependence on God for immediate help (`'ezrâh` `{{H5833}}`). It is the voice of the afflicted seeking salvation from God ([[Psalms 38:22]], [[Psalms 71:12]]).
* **The Haste of Divine Judgment:** The word is used to describe the impending arrival of God's vengeance (`nâqâm` `{{H5359}}`) and recompence (`shillêm` `{{H8005}}`) upon his adversaries, emphasizing that their calamity will not be delayed [[Deuteronomy 32:35]].
* **Faith Overcomes Haste:** A key theological principle is found in Isaiah, which contrasts panicked rushing with confident faith. Regarding the sure foundation God lays in Zion, the text states, "he that believeth (`ʼâman` `{{H539}}`) shall not make haste `{{H2363}}`" [[Isaiah 28:16]]. This suggests that trust in God's established plan eliminates anxious, fearful hurry.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2363}}` captures more than just the idea of speed. It embodies the urgency of human need, the swiftness of divine action, and the profound spiritual state where faith replaces frantic haste with steadfast trust. From the desperate cries of a psalmist to the sovereign declaration of God, **chûwsh** illustrates that while humanity often rushes out of fear or desire, true stability is found in waiting on the Lord, who accomplishes His will in His own perfect time.
TRV