feminine passive participle of חָלַשׁ; defeat; being overcome.
Transliteration:chălûwshâh
Pronunciation:khal-oo-shaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֲלוּשָׁה (chălûwshâh, `{{H2476}}`) is a feminine passive participle derived from the root חָלַשׁ (châlash, `{{H2475}}`). The root verb signifies "to weaken," "to prostrate," "to overcome," or "to lay low." As a passive participle, חֲלוּשָׁה therefore describes the *state* or *condition* of being weakened, prostrated, or overcome. Its core meaning centers on "defeat" or "being vanquished," particularly in a context of conflict or struggle. It implies a loss of strength, a state of being rendered powerless, or a surrender to a superior force, often with an emphasis on the experience of the one who is overcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֲלוּשָׁה (chălûwshâh, `{{H2476}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Samuel.
* **[[1 Samuel 14:15]]**: "And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison and the raiders also trembled, and the earth quaked; so it was a very great trembling (חֲרָדָה), a trembling from God (חֲלוּשָׁה)."
In this singular occurrence, חֲלוּשָׁה describes the overwhelming panic and disarray that afflicted the Philistine army during Jonathan's audacious attack. The phrase "חֲלוּשָׁה אֱלֹהִים" (chălûwshâh ʾělōhîm), often rendered as "a panic from God" or "a trembling from God," emphasizes that the Philistines' state of defeat and weakness was not merely a natural consequence of battle but a divinely orchestrated intervention. The context is distinctly military, portraying the psychological and physical collapse of an army facing a supernatural force. The use of the passive participle highlights that the Philistines *were made* to be in this state of helplessness, rather than having brought it about themselves. This passage illustrates God's direct involvement in human conflict, instilling fear and weakness in the enemies of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **חָלַשׁ (châlash, `{{H2475}}`)**: The verbal root from which חֲלוּשָׁה is derived. It describes the *action* of weakening or overcoming. For instance, in [[Isaiah 14:12]], it is used to describe how nations were "laid low" (חָלַשְׁתָּ) by the king of Babylon.
* **חֲרָדָה (charadah, `{{H2731}}`)**: This word, meaning "trembling," "terror," or "panic," is used in parallel with חֲלוּשָׁה in [[1 Samuel 14:15]]. This parallelism suggests a close semantic relationship, with חֲלוּשָׁה perhaps emphasizing the *resultant state of being overcome* due to the terror.
* **מְהוּמָה (mehumah, `{{H4103}}`)**: Meaning "confusion," "discomfiture," or "panic," often divinely sent (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:20]], [[Zechariah 14:13]]). This word also describes a state of chaotic defeat.
* **מַפָּלָה (mappalah, `{{H4658}}`)**: Signifying "a fall," "ruin," or "defeat" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 14:16]]).
* **Divine Terror/Panic**: The broader biblical concept where God instills fear, panic, or confusion in the hearts of enemies to secure victory for His people (e.g., [[Exodus 23:27]], [[Deuteronomy 2:25]], [[Joshua 10:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of חֲלוּשָׁה (chălûwshâh) in [[1 Samuel 14:15]], particularly in conjunction with "אֱלֹהִים" (ʾělōhîm), carries profound theological weight. It serves as a vivid illustration of divine sovereignty in warfare and the outworking of God's covenant promises to His people.
* **Divine Intervention in Battle**: The "chălûwshâh of God" signifies that the Philistine defeat was not merely a human military outcome but a direct, supernatural act of God. He caused a state of overwhelming weakness and demoralization to fall upon the enemy, ensuring Israel's victory. This underscores that God is an active participant in history, capable of turning the tide of events through means beyond human comprehension.
* **God as the Ultimate Victor**: This passage highlights that ultimate victory belongs to God, not to human strength, strategy, or numbers. Even a small force like Jonathan's, empowered by God, can bring about the complete collapse of a formidable army. This concept reinforces reliance on God's power rather than human might.
* **Assurance for God's People**: For Israel, the "chălûwshâh from God" would have been a powerful testament to His faithfulness and protective care. It assured them that even when facing overwhelming odds, God could, and would, fight for them, instilling fear and weakness in their adversaries.
* **Theological Parallel to Spiritual Warfare**: While explicitly military, the concept of a "chălûwshâh from God" can be seen as a theological parallel to spiritual warfare, where God can cause the spiritual forces of evil to be weakened and overcome, leading to the triumph of His kingdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲלוּשָׁה (chălûwshâh, `{{H2476}}`) denotes the state of "defeat" or "being overcome," stemming from a root meaning "to weaken" or "to prostrate." Its sole appearance in [[1 Samuel 14:15]] is highly significant, describing a divinely induced panic and disarray that seized the Philistine army, referred to as a "trembling from God" (חֲלוּשָׁה אֱלֹהִים). This unique usage profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of divine sovereignty in warfare, emphasizing that God directly intervenes to weaken and defeat the enemies of His people. The "chălûwshâh from God" demonstrates that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, who can supernaturally instill fear and helplessness in adversaries, thereby securing triumph for His chosen ones and reinforcing the theological truth that true strength and deliverance emanate from Him alone.
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