### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חוּשָׁה (Chûwshâh, `{{H2364}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. It is derived from the root חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`), which carries a primary meaning of "to make haste," "to hurry," or "to be eager." The root can also denote "to feel" or "to perceive quickly." Thus, the name Chûwshâh connotes "haste" or "quickness." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual, with its etymological meaning serving as a potential insight into the name-giver's hopes or circumstances at birth, though the biblical text does not elaborate on this for Hushah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hushah (חוּשָׁה) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 4:4]]: "And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem."
In this sole occurrence, Hushah is identified as a descendant of Hur, who was connected to Ephrathah (Bethlehem) and a son of Judah. He is specifically noted as the father of Ezer. The context is purely genealogical, serving to meticulously trace the lineages within the tribe of Judah. These lists were vital for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and the priestly succession, as well as preserving the lineage leading to the Davidic monarchy and ultimately the Messiah. The mention of Hushah, though brief, contributes to the comprehensive historical record maintained by the chronicler, underscoring the continuity and preservation of God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which חוּשָׁה is derived: חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`). This root is found in various contexts:
* As "to make haste" or "to hurry," as seen in [[Psalm 104:7]] where waters *hasten* away.
* As "to feel" or "to perceive," as in [[Ecclesiastes 2:25]] regarding the ability to *feel* or *enjoy* without God.
The dual nature of the root suggests both physical alacrity and a quickness of perception or sensation.
Other Hebrew words related to the concept of "haste" include:
* מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh, `{{H4120}}`), an adverb meaning "quickly" or "speedily."
* חָפַז (ḥāp̄az, `{{H2648}}`), a verb meaning "to flee in haste" or "to be alarmed."
Conceptually, the practice of naming children with meaningful names was common in ancient Israel, often reflecting hopes, circumstances, or even divine pronouncements. While the meaning "haste" for Hushah is known, the biblical text does not provide a narrative explanation for its application to this specific individual, unlike more prominent figures whose names are explicitly tied to their life stories (e.g., Isaac, Jacob).
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating an individual within a genealogy, Hushah does not carry direct theological significance in the way a theological concept or divine name might. Its importance is primarily indirect, stemming from its inclusion within the divinely inspired record of Israel's lineage. The meticulous preservation of genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles highlights several theological truths:
* **God's Faithfulness:** It demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their distinct tribal identities through generations, even amidst times of exile and dispersion.
* **Divine Providence in History:** Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is part of God's overarching plan and the unfolding of His redemptive history. The genealogies affirm the historical reality and continuity of God's work through human lives.
* **Messianic Lineage:** These genealogies ultimately serve to trace the lineage leading to the promised Messiah, underscoring the precise and intentional nature of God's plan for salvation.
While the specific meaning of "haste" for the name Hushah is not expounded upon in the text, its very presence in the sacred record is a testament to the comprehensive and detailed nature of God's Word, where even seemingly minor figures play a part in the grand narrative of His interaction with humanity.
### Summary
חוּשָׁה (Chûwshâh, `{{H2364}}`) is a proper noun, the name of an Israelite man, whose name etymologically means "haste" or "quickness," derived from the root חוּשׁ (chûwsh, `{{H2363}}`). He is mentioned only once in [[1 Chronicles 4:4]] as the father of Ezer, within the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Though Hushah himself is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the inspired genealogies underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, the historical continuity of God's people, and the meticulous preservation of the record leading to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The brevity of his mention reminds us that every individual, however briefly noted, contributes to the rich tapestry of God's redemptive history.
TRV