from an unused root meaning to glare; a flash of lightning; bright cloud, lightning.
Transliteration:chăzîyz
Pronunciation:khaw-zeez'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *chăzîyz* (`{{H2385}}`) derives from an unused root signifying "to glare" or "to shine brightly." Its core meaning denotes a sudden, intense burst of light, specifically a "flash of lightning." The semantic range extends to encompass the "bright cloud" or "storm cloud" from which such a flash emanates, thus referring to the source or context of the lightning itself. The emphasis is consistently on the visual phenomenon of light, often characterized by its dramatic, momentary appearance and inherent power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *chăzîyz* appears in two significant passages within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its contextual nuances:
1. **[[Job 38:25]]**: "Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain, and a way for the **flash of the thunderbolt**?"
In this passage, *chăzîyz* is used in parallel with *ra'am* (`{{H7482}}`), meaning "thunder," unequivocally identifying it as "lightning" or a "flash of the thunderbolt." The context is God's rhetorical questioning of Job, highlighting His unsearchable wisdom and absolute control over the most powerful and unpredictable forces of nature. The divine power manifest in the storm, particularly the lightning, serves as an example of God's intricate ordering of creation, which is beyond human comprehension or control.
2. **[[Zechariah 10:1]]**: "Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD who makes the **storm clouds**; he gives showers of rain to everyone, and plants of the field to each."
Here, *chăzîyz* is translated as "storm clouds" or "bright clouds," broadening its scope from merely the flash to the cloud that produces it. This usage underscores the cloud's characteristic brightness or the presence of lightning within it. The verse links divine provision (rain) directly to God's sovereignty over natural phenomena. It portrays the Lord as the one who "makes" these clouds, thereby emphasizing His active role in sending life-sustaining rain in response to prayer, contrasting with the futility of seeking rain from idols.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Chăzîyz* exists within a broader lexical field related to divine power, natural phenomena, and light:
* **Lightning**: The most common Hebrew word for lightning is *baraq* (`{{H1300}}`), often appearing in contexts of divine judgment, swiftness, or theophany (e.g., [[Psalm 18:14]], [[Ezekiel 1:13]]). While *baraq* often denotes the active bolt, *chăzîyz* tends to emphasize the sudden, dazzling visual *flash*.
* **Thunder**: *Ra'am* (`{{H7482}}`), as seen in [[Job 38:25]], is the accompanying sound of lightning, often associated with God's voice or power (e.g., [[Psalm 29:3]]).
* **Clouds**: Words like *anan* (`{{H6051}}`) for a general cloud or *ab* (`{{H5645}}`) for a thick cloud are foundational. *Chăzîyz* in [[Zechariah 10:1]] specifically refers to clouds characterized by their association with lightning or storms, highlighting their role as instruments of divine action and provision.
* **Light/Brightness**: The root meaning of *chăzîyz* connects it to concepts of light and brightness, found in terms like *or* (`{{H216}}`) for light in general, and *nogah* (`{{H5051}}`) for brightness or splendor, which are often used in descriptions of divine glory.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chăzîyz* is multifaceted, primarily underscoring divine power and sovereignty:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Creation**: Both occurrences of *chăzîyz* affirm God's absolute control over natural forces. In Job, lightning serves as an unanswerable testament to God's omnipotence and wisdom in ordering the cosmos. In Zechariah, the "storm clouds" are directly attributed to the Lord, demonstrating His active role in bringing forth rain for sustenance. This highlights that even the most unpredictable and awe-inspiring natural phenomena are under His command.
* **Divine Provision and Responsiveness**: In [[Zechariah 10:1]], the *chăzîyz*-clouds are the very means by which God sends rain in response to prayer. This links the powerful, awe-inspiring aspects of nature directly to God's benevolent provision for His people, emphasizing His role as the ultimate sustainer who hears and answers.
* **Theophany and Awe**: While *chăzîyz* is not a primary term for theophany, the phenomenon it describes—sudden, overwhelming light from the sky—is frequently associated with the manifestation of God's presence and glory (e.g., the lightning and thunder at Sinai in [[Exodus 19:16]]). The fleeting yet immense power of a lightning flash evokes awe and humility, reminding humanity of its finite nature before the Creator's infinite might.
### Summary
*Chăzîyz* (`{{H2385}}`) is a rare but potent Hebrew term, derived from a root meaning "to glare," primarily denoting a "flash of lightning" or a "bright/storm cloud." Its two occurrences in the biblical text provide profound theological insight: in [[Job 38:25]], it underscores God's unchallengeable power and wisdom over creation, particularly in the context of a thunderbolt; and in [[Zechariah 10:1]], it refers to the "storm clouds" God creates to bring life-giving rain in response to prayer. Theologically, *chăzîyz* serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over natural phenomena, His role as a benevolent provider, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence and activity in the world. It contributes to the rich biblical vocabulary that describes the Creator's awesome might through the elements of His creation.
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