a primitive root; properly, to surround with a stockade, and thus separate from the open country; but used only in the reduplicated form חֲצֹצֵר; or (2 Chronicles 5:12) חֲצֹרֵר; as dem. from חֲצֹצְרָה; to trumpet, i.e. blow on that instrument; blow, sound, trumpeter.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châtsar**, represented by `{{H2690}}`, is a primitive root used to mean **to trumpet**, **blow**, or **sound** an instrument. While its root properly means to surround with a stockade, it is only used scripturally in a reduplicated form to refer to blowing a trumpet. It appears 11 times across 6 unique verses, exclusively in the context of this musical action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2690}}` is always associated with sacred and significant events. It describes the action of priests who **did blow** with trumpets before the ark of God [[1 Chronicles 15:24]]. During the dedication of the temple, 120 priests were **sounding** with trumpets as part of a great assembly of musicians and singers [[2 Chronicles 5:12]]. The goal was to make one unified sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD [[2 Chronicles 5:13]]. This act also occurred during battle, when the priests **sounded** with the trumpets as Judah cried out to the LORD [[2 Chronicles 13:14]], and during worship ceremonies until burnt offerings were finished [[2 Chronicles 29:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the use of **châtsar**:
* `{{H2689}}` **chătsôtsᵉrâh** (a trumpet): This is the instrument that is being sounded. It is a noun derived from the same root and appears alongside `{{H2690}}` in every instance, such as when the priests sounded **trumpets** before the people of Israel [[2 Chronicles 7:6]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This term identifies the specific individuals authorized to perform this action. The dossier consistently shows that it was the **priests** who were sounding the trumpets, underscoring the formal and holy nature of the act ([[1 Chronicles 15:24]], [[2 Chronicles 13:14]]).
* `{{H1984}}` **hâlal** (praise): The act of sounding the trumpets is frequently done for the purpose of praise. The trumpeters and singers joined together in **praising** the LORD for His enduring mercy [[2 Chronicles 5:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2690}}` is demonstrated in its specific applications within Israel's worship and national life.
* **Unified Worship:** The term is central to the concept of unified praise. Trumpeters `{{H2690}}` and singers were to be "as one, to make one sound" when praising and thanking the LORD, an act that coincided with the glory of the LORD filling the temple [[2 Chronicles 5:13]].
* **Sacred Office:** The action was a designated duty of the priesthood. The priests `{{H3548}}` were the ones who **sounded trumpets** during worship [[2 Chronicles 7:6]] and before the ark of God [[1 Chronicles 15:24]], marking it as a sacred function, not a common activity.
* **A Call in Crisis:** Beyond celebration, to **sound** the trumpets was an act of faith and a cry for divine intervention in times of distress. Facing battle, the priests **sounded** the trumpets as the people cried to the LORD for help [[2 Chronicles 13:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2690}}` signifies far more than simply blowing on a trumpet. It represents a formal, priestly action integral to the worship of God in ancient Israel. Whether to lead a unified chorus of praise during national celebration or to issue a desperate cry to the heavens in battle, **châtsar** embodies a direct and powerful form of communication directed toward God, performed by His designated ministers.
TRV