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.
Transliteration:châtsar
Pronunciation:khaw-tsar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H2690}}`, *châtsar*, is a primitive root whose original semantic core appears to be "to surround with a stockade" or "to enclose," thereby separating something from the open country. This foundational meaning suggests a concept of demarcation or enclosure, akin to a courtyard (*châtser*, `{{H2691}}`). However, the biblical usage of this root takes a distinct and specialized turn. In nearly all its occurrences, `{{H2690}}` is found in its reduplicated form, חֲצֹצֵר (*chatsotser*), or in a variant like חֲצֹרֵר (*chatsorer*) as seen in [[2 Chronicles 5:12]]. This reduplicated form is directly related to the noun חֲצֹצְרָה (*chatsotsrah*, `{{H2689}}`), which denotes the metal trumpet. Thus, the verb's primary and almost exclusive meaning in the biblical text is "to trumpet," "to blow on a trumpet," or "to sound a trumpet." The reduplication itself may be onomatopoeic, mimicking the distinctive sound of the instrument. Therefore, while the root hints at enclosure, its active use in scripture focuses entirely on the production of sound from a specific instrument, signifying a call, an alarm, or a proclamation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H2690}}` is predominantly found in contexts related to the use of the silver trumpets (*chatsotsrah*). Its occurrences reveal three primary functions:
1. **Summons and Assembly:** The most detailed instructions for the use of *châtsar* are found in [[Numbers 10:1-10]], where Moses is commanded to make two silver trumpets for summoning the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps. Blowing both trumpets signaled an assembly of the whole congregation at the tabernacle entrance ([[Numbers 10:3]]), while blowing only one summoned the tribal leaders ([[Numbers 10:4]]). This highlights the trumpet's role in maintaining order and facilitating communal gatherings under divine instruction.
2. **Warfare and Alarm:** The trumpets were also prescribed for sounding an alarm in times of war, serving as a call to battle and a cry for divine remembrance and deliverance ([[Numbers 10:9]]). Examples include the battle against Midian ([[Numbers 31:6]]) and the numerous references in the Prophets to the trumpet's sound as a warning of impending invasion or judgment ([[Jeremiah 4:5]], [[Jeremiah 4:19]], [[Jeremiah 6:1]], [[Ezekiel 33:3-6]]). The act of *châtsar* in this context is a vital component of military strategy and a sign of God's active involvement in the nation's defense.
3. **Worship and Celebration:** A significant use of *châtsar* is in the context of cultic worship and celebration. The trumpets were to be blown during burnt offerings and peace offerings, particularly on days of gladness, appointed feasts, and new moons ([[Numbers 10:10]]). This practice is vividly illustrated in the dedication of Solomon's Temple, where the Levites, arrayed in fine linen, stood with cymbals, harps, and trumpets, *châtsar*ing in unison to praise and thank the Lord, at which point the glory of the Lord filled the temple ([[2 Chronicles 5:12-13]]). Similarly, during Hezekiah's reforms, the trumpets were blown alongside musical instruments during the sacrifices ([[2 Chronicles 29:27-28]]). The sound of *châtsar* thus became an integral part of Israel's liturgical life, signifying joy, praise, and the invocation of God's presence.
Beyond these, the verb also appears in contexts of royal proclamation, such as the anointing of Joash as king ([[2 Kings 11:14]] / [[2 Chronicles 23:13]]), where the trumpets announced the new monarch to the people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term to `{{H2690}}` is its nominal counterpart, חֲצֹצְרָה (*chatsotsrah*, `{{H2689}}`), the "trumpet" itself, specifically referring to the long, straight silver trumpets, distinct from the ram's horn.
Another significant related concept is שׁוֹפָר (*shophar*, `{{H7782}}`), the ram's horn. While both *chatsotsrah* and *shophar* are wind instruments used for signaling, they often have distinct functions. The *shophar* typically carries a more primitive, urgent, or prophetic connotation, associated with the revelation at Sinai ([[Exodus 19:16]]), the fall of Jericho ([[Joshua 6:4-20]]), or a general alarm. The *chatsotsrah*, blown by the action of *châtsar*, is more frequently associated with ordered cultic service, military commands, and royal announcements, often played by priests or Levites.
Other related terms include:
* תְּרוּעָה (*teru'ah*, `{{H8643}}`): This noun refers to a "shout" or "blast," often specifically the sound made by blowing a trumpet. It describes the loud, piercing sound produced by the act of *châtsar*.
* קוֹל (*qol*, `{{H6963}}`): The general term for "voice" or "sound." The trumpet's blast is a specific *qol* that carries meaning and authority.
The concept of "sound" as a vehicle for divine communication or human response is central to understanding *châtsar*. The blowing of the trumpet is not merely noise, but a deliberate, often divinely commanded, act designed to evoke a specific response or signify a particular event.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *châtsar* is profound, rooted in its divine institution and pervasive use throughout Israel's history:
1. **Divine Authority and Guidance:** The command in [[Numbers 10]] for the construction and use of the trumpets establishes them as instruments of divine authority. The *châtsar*ing of the trumpets was not a human invention but a divinely ordained means for God to communicate His will to His people – whether to assemble, break camp, or go to war. It symbolizes God's active leadership and guidance over Israel.
2. **Presence of God:** The sound of the trumpet often accompanies manifestations of God's presence or action. While the *shophar* is more directly linked to the thunderous sound at Sinai, the *chatsotsrah* in temple worship signals the glory of God filling the sanctuary ([[2 Chronicles 5:13-14]]), indicating His acceptance of worship and His dwelling among His people.
3. **Worship and Praise:** As an instrument used in temple service and on feast days, *châtsar* became an act of worship, a vocal expression of praise and thanksgiving to God. It highlights the importance of sound and music in Israelite liturgy as a means of glorifying the Creator.
4. **Remembrance and Intercession:** The command in [[Numbers 10:9]] states that when the trumpets are blown for war, Israel will be "remembered before the LORD your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies." This imbues the act of *châtsar* with an intercessory quality, a cry to God for His intervention and protection.
5. **Order and Holiness:** The precise regulations for *châtsar*ing in different situations underscore the themes of order, discipline, and holiness within the community. The trumpet blast was a call to align with God's will and to maintain the purity and structure of Israel's communal and spiritual life.
In essence, *châtsar* is more than just blowing an instrument; it is an act steeped in theological meaning, signifying divine communication, communal response, and the dynamic interplay between God and His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H2690}}`, *châtsar*, though rooted in a concept of enclosure, is exclusively used in the biblical text in its reduplicated form to mean "to trumpet" or "to blow a trumpet." This specific usage is intrinsically linked to the silver trumpet (*chatsotsrah*, `{{H2689}}`) and its distinctive sound. The act of *châtsar* served critical functions in ancient Israel: summoning the congregation and leaders, signaling alarms for war, and providing accompaniment for worship, sacrifices, and celebratory feasts. Theologically, *châtsar* embodies divine authority and guidance, acting as a direct means of communication from God to His people and from people to God. It signifies God's active presence, facilitates communal order, expresses worship and praise, and serves as a call for divine remembrance and intervention. The sound of *châtsar* was thus deeply interwoven with the fabric of Israelite life, marking significant moments of divine interaction, communal gathering, and spiritual devotion.
TRV