### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châzêq**, represented by `{{H2390}}`, means **powerful** or, idiomatically, to **wax louder** or **stronger**. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, describing a process of increasing power or intensity. This term is used to illustrate a progression, whether in the context of political dominion or the awesome sound of a divine encounter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{H2390}}` marks significant moments of transition. It is used twice in a single verse to describe the political ascendancy of David's kingdom, stating that "David waxed **stronger** and **stronger**, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker" [[2 Samuel 3:1]]. This repetition emphasizes the steady and undeniable shift in power and favor. In a very different context, the word describes the sound of the trumpet at Sinai, which "waxed **louder** and louder" just before Moses spake and God answered him [[Exodus 19:19]]. Here, it conveys an escalating intensity that precedes direct divine communication.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the meaning of `{{H2390}}` in its scriptural context:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The central figure whose house is described as growing **stronger**, representing the rise of his divinely appointed dynasty [[2 Samuel 3:1]].
* `{{H1800}}` **dal** (weaker): Used in direct contrast to `{{H2390}}`, this word describes the decline of the house of Saul, highlighting the theme of shifting power and fortunes [[2 Samuel 3:1]].
* `{{H7782}}` **shôwphâr** (trumpet): The instrument whose sound is described as growing **louder** `{{H2390}}`, serving as a herald for God's presence at Mount Sinai [[Exodus 19:19]].
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk, wax): This verb is paired with `{{H2390}}` to create the phrase "waxed stronger," indicating a continuous and progressive movement toward a state of greater power [[2 Samuel 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2390}}` is tied to its depiction of progressive power as a marker of divine activity.
* **The Establishment of a Kingdom:** The use of `{{H2390}}` to describe the strengthening of David's house `{{H1004}}` while Saul's `{{H7586}}` weakened illustrates the tangible outcome of God's favor. It portrays the rise of David not as a sudden event, but as a steady process of increasing strength during a long war `{{H4421}}` [[2 Samuel 3:1]].
* **The Herald of Divine Communication:** The term's use to describe the sound `{{H6963}}` of the trumpet `{{H7782}}` growing louder signifies the building anticipation and awesome power of God's `{{H430}}` presence. This intensifying sound precedes a direct encounter where Moses `{{H4872}}` speaks and God `{{H430}}` answers `{{H6030}}`, marking the sacredness of the moment [[Exodus 19:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2390}}` is a focused term that conveys the concept of increasing force and intensity. Though rare, its uses are pivotal, marking both the consolidation of David's kingdom on earth and the magnificent sound heralding God's voice from heaven. It demonstrates how the Bible uses the idea of growing strength—whether political or auditory—to signify moments of profound divine purpose and revelation.
TRV