### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châlash**, represented by `{{H2522}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to prostrate; by implication, to overthrow, decay; discomfit, waste away, weaken**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term conveys a sense of causing weakness, whether through military defeat, cosmic downfall, or natural mortal decay.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2522}}` is applied in distinct contexts of prostration and defeat. In a military sense, Joshua **discomfited** Amalek and his people, indicating a decisive overthrow of an enemy force [[Exodus 17:13]]. The term is also used to describe the actions of Lucifer, who did **weaken** the nations before being cut down from heaven [[Isaiah 14:12]]. Finally, it illustrates human mortality, stating that man dies and **wasteth away**, connecting the concept of weakening to the finality of death [[Job 14:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the actions and consequences associated with being weakened:
* `{{H1438}}` **gâdaʻ** (cut down): Paired directly with **châlash** in the account of Lucifer, this word signifies being felled or destroyed, showing the ultimate result of pride [[Isaiah 14:12]]. Its definition is "to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything; cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down."
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall): This word describes the consequence of being weakened, as Lucifer is described as having **fallen** from heaven in the same verse where he is said to have weakened the nations [[Isaiah 14:12]]. Its definition includes "to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)."
* `{{H1478}}` **gâvaʻ** (giveth up the ghost): This term appears alongside **châlash** in the description of human death, where a man "wasteth away" and then "giveth up the ghost" [[Job 14:10]]. It means to "breathe out, i.e. (by implication) expire."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2522}}` is demonstrated through its varied applications:
* **The Overthrow of Enemies:** The word is used to describe the defeat of those who oppose God's people, as when Joshua **discomfited** Amalek. This shows a direct, powerful action that prostrates a foe [[Exodus 17:13]].
* **The Consequence of Pride:** In Isaiah, the one who **weakened** the nations is himself brought low and cut down. This serves as a powerful illustration that even great powers are subject to being overthrown [[Isaiah 14:12]].
* **The Frailty of Man:** The use of **châlash** in Job highlights the transient nature of human life. Man "wasteth away," emphasizing a process of decay and weakening that culminates in death, a universal human condition [[Job 14:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2522}}` is a potent term that goes beyond simple weakness. It encapsulates the active process of prostrating, overthrowing, and causing decay. From the battlefield where Joshua **discomfited** an army, to the cosmic fall of a prideful being, to the quiet wasting away of human life, **châlash** illustrates a definitive state of being made powerless and brought to ruin.
TRV