### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term châzôwth (`{{H2378}}`) is a noun derived from the verb châzâh (`{{H2372}}`), which means "to see, behold, gaze, perceive, have a vision." This etymological connection is crucial, as châzôwth therefore signifies the *result* or *object* of such seeing, specifically in a supernatural or revelatory sense.
At its core, châzôwth denotes a "vision" or "revelation." It is not merely physical sight but a divinely granted insight, often involving a supernatural appearance or a prophetic communication. Its semantic range includes:
* A prophetic vision, as received by a prophet from God.
* A divine revelation, an unveiling of truth or future events by God.
* An appearance or spectacle, particularly one that is awe-inspiring or significant due to its divine origin.
It implies an experience where the ordinary veil between the human and divine is momentarily lifted, allowing for a direct apprehension of divine realities or messages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term châzôwth (`{{H2378}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but each occurrence carries significant theological weight, emphasizing its specialized meaning as a divine revelation.
* **[[Isaiah 29:7]]**: "And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night *vision*."
* Here, châzôwth describes the transient and illusory nature of the enemies' perceived strength. Their formidable appearance will vanish like a dream, emphasizing the ephemeral quality of human power when contrasted with divine decree. It is a "night vision" – something that seems real but dissipates with the dawn, highlighting God's ultimate control over nations and their plans.
* **[[Isaiah 29:11]]**: "And the *vision* of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed."
* This verse is particularly poignant. châzôwth here refers to the entirety of God's prophetic revelation to Israel. The "vision of all" encompasses the divine messages and prophecies given through the prophets. However, due to the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart of the people, this comprehensive revelation has become inaccessible, "sealed" to them. It underscores the tragic consequence of spiritual apathy, where divine truth, though present, remains uncomprehended.
* **[[Obadiah 1:1]]**: "The *vision* of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle."
* In this instance, châzôwth serves as the opening declaration of the book, explicitly identifying the entire prophetic message as a direct revelation from God to the prophet Obadiah. It establishes the divine authority and origin of the subsequent pronouncements against Edom. It is not merely Obadiah's thoughts, but God's *vision* conveyed through him.
These occurrences consistently link châzôwth to divine revelation, whether it is a prophetic message, an understanding of God's judgment, or the nature of His dealings with humanity. The term elevates the experience beyond mere observation to a sacred, divinely initiated encounter.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of divine vision and revelation is central to biblical prophecy and understanding. châzôwth (`{{H2378}}`) is closely related to several other key terms and ideas:
* **châzâh (`{{H2372}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to see, behold, gaze, perceive, have a vision." While châzâh can refer to ordinary seeing, its theological import often points to prophetic or spiritual discernment. châzôwth is the noun form, representing the *content* or *object* of this divine seeing.
* **mâre'eh (`{{H4758}}`):** Meaning "sight, appearance, vision." This term is broader and can refer to any visual appearance, but it is also used for divine manifestations, such as in Ezekiel's visions. châzôwth often carries a stronger connotation of a *prophetic message* or *revelation* rather than just an appearance.
* **machazeh (`{{H4236}}`):** Another noun derived from châzâh, also meaning "vision, sight." It often appears in contexts of divine communication, similar to châzôwth, but châzôwth seems to emphasize the *revelatory content* more acutely.
* **nevu'ah (`{{H5016}}`):** Meaning "prophecy." châzôwth can be considered a specific *form* or *source* of nevu'ah, indicating that the prophecy originated from a divine vision.
* **gâlâh (`{{H1540}}`):** The verb "to uncover, reveal." This concept is inherent in châzôwth, as a vision is fundamentally an unveiling of divine truth.
* **Prophetic Tradition:** châzôwth is intrinsically linked to the role of the prophet (Hebrew: nâvî' `{{H5030}}`). Prophets were those who "saw" or "received visions" from God, making them the conduits for divine revelation to the people.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of God's active communication with humanity, often through extraordinary means, to disclose His will, plans, and judgments. châzôwth specifically highlights the visual or revelatory nature of such divine disclosure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of châzôwth (`{{H2378}}`) is profound, touching upon the nature of divine communication, human receptivity, and God's sovereignty.
1. **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** The very existence of châzôwth underscores God's initiative in revealing Himself to humanity. Visions are not conjured by human effort but are divinely granted. This affirms God's sovereignty in choosing when, to whom, and what to reveal. The "vision of Obadiah" ([[Obadiah 1:1]]) is not Obadiah's idea but God's revelation through him.
2. **Authoritative Revelation:** A châzôwth carries inherent divine authority. When a prophet declares a châzôwth, it is presented as God's own word, not human speculation. This distinguishes true prophecy from mere human opinion or false claims.
3. **Spiritual Perception and Blindness:** The use of châzôwth in [[Isaiah 29:11]] is particularly significant for understanding spiritual perception. The fact that "the vision of all" became a "sealed book" to Israel highlights the tragic reality of spiritual blindness. God's revelation, though clear and comprehensive, can be rendered inaccessible by human stubbornness, rebellion, or apathy. This emphasizes that receiving a châzôwth requires not just divine initiative but also human receptivity, humility, and a willingness to obey.
4. **Foreknowledge and Judgment:** châzôwth often relates to God's foreknowledge and His plans for judgment or restoration. In [[Isaiah 29:7]], the "night vision" metaphor speaks to the ephemeral nature of human opposition to God's ultimate plan. Obadiah's châzôwth foretells Edom's destruction. This demonstrates that God's visions are not merely abstract experiences but carry real-world implications for nations and individuals, reflecting His justice and faithfulness to His covenant.
5. **The Continuity of Revelation:** While châzôwth points to specific instances of divine revelation in the Old Testament, the concept of God revealing Himself through various means (dreams, visions, prophets, and ultimately in Christ) is a continuous theological thread throughout Scripture. châzôwth serves as a foundational term for understanding how God communicated His will to His people in ancient Israel.
In essence, châzôwth points to the supernatural, authoritative, and purposeful disclosure of God's truth to humanity, often with profound implications for understanding His character and His dealings with the world.
### Summary
châzôwth (`{{H2378}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying a "vision" or "revelation," derived from the verb châzâh (`{{H2372}}`), "to see." It denotes a specific kind of seeing—a divinely initiated, supernatural apprehension of truth, often prophetic in nature. Unlike ordinary sight, châzôwth implies an unveiling of divine realities, whether through an appearance or a direct communication of God's will.
Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Bible underscore its significance. In [[Isaiah 29:7]], it describes the fleeting nature of human power as a "night vision," while in [[Isaiah 29:11]], it tragically portrays God's comprehensive revelation becoming a "sealed book" due to Israel's spiritual blindness. [[Obadiah 1:1]] explicitly labels the entire prophetic book as a "vision" from God, establishing its divine origin and authority.
Theologically, châzôwth highlights God's sovereign initiative in revealing Himself, the authoritative nature of divine communication, and the critical importance of human receptivity to spiritual truth. It is a foundational concept for understanding Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing that God actively communicates His plans, judgments, and character to His people through extraordinary means. It underscores the sacred space where the divine intersects with the human, unveiling truths that transcend ordinary perception.
TRV