The Hebrew word châlâʼ, represented by H2456, is a primitive root that means to be sick; be diseased. This term is highly specific in its usage, appearing only 1 time in the entire Bible, within a single, poignant verse. Its sole appearance marks a critical moment in the life of a king, defining a state of physical sickness.
The singular use of H2456 is found in the narrative of King Asa's later years. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was diseased in his feet with an ailment that became exceedingly great 2 Chronicles 16:12. The verse pointedly notes that in his sickness, he did not seek the LORD but instead turned to physicians. This context uses H2456 to establish not just a physical condition, but a spiritual test of where the king placed his trust in his time of suffering.
Several related words provide a fuller context to the meaning of sickness and healing:
- H2483 chŏlîy (from חָלָה; malady, anxiety, calamity; disease, grief, (is) sick(-ness)): This noun, appearing twice in the same verse as H2456, describes Asa's "disease" 2 Chronicles 16:12. It is also used more broadly to refer to grief and sickness, as seen in Isaiah's description of the suffering servant being "acquainted with grief" Isaiah 53:3 and bearing "our griefs" Isaiah 53:4.
- H609 ʼÂçâʼ (Asa, the name of a king and of a Levite): He is the subject who was "diseased" H2456. The dossier reveals that earlier in his reign, Asa had relied on God, crying out to the LORD for help against a great multitude 2 Chronicles 14:11 and was told that the LORD would be with him as long as he sought Him 2 Chronicles 15:2.
- H7495 râphâʼ (properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure; cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole): This word is used for the "physicians" Asa sought 2 Chronicles 16:12. It stands in direct contrast to the LORD, who identifies Himself as the one who "healeth" Exodus 15:26 and who is praised for healing all diseases Psalms 103:3.
The theological weight of H2456 is derived entirely from its unique context. It illustrates key principles about faith and reliance on God.
- A Test of Trust: The affliction described by H2456 serves as a stark test for King Asa. His decision to seek physicians H7495 rather than the LORD reveals a shift in his reliance away from the God he had previously sought 2 Chronicles 16:12.
- The Source of Healing: The narrative juxtaposes human healers with God as the divine healer. While Asa turned to men, scripture elsewhere affirms that the LORD is the one who heals the brokenhearted Psalms 147:3, forgives iniquities, and heals H7495 diseases Psalms 103:3.
- Spiritual Condition: Asa's physical sickness H2456 becomes a symbol of a spiritual problem. His failure to seek the LORD in his illness is the final act recorded about his reign, following a pattern where seeking or forsaking God has direct consequences 2 Chronicles 15:2.
In summary, H2456 châlâʼ is a term whose significance is not in its frequency but in its powerful narrative placement. Used only once to describe King Asa's foot disease, it functions as the centerpiece of a story about faith in the midst of suffering. It highlights the profound biblical theme that true healing and deliverance come from the LORD, forcing a choice between reliance on human ability and trust in God's power.
TRV