### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôresh**, represented by `{{H2793}}`, primarily denotes a **forest** or **wood**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe both literal wooded areas, which serve as places of refuge and construction, and is also employed figuratively as a **bough** or **shroud** to convey concepts of power and desolation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2793}}` is centrally featured in the account of David `{{H1732}}` fleeing from Saul `{{H7586}}`. The **wood** is the specific location in the wilderness `{{H4057}}` of Ziph `{{H2128}}` where David hides [[1 Samuel 23:15]]. It is in this **wood** that Jonathan `{{H3083}}` finds David to strengthen `{{H2388}}` his hand `{{H3027}}` in God `{{H430}}` and where they make `{{H3772}}` a covenant `{{H1285}}` together ([[1 Samuel 23:16]], [[1 Samuel 23:18]]). Later, the Ziphites `{{H2130}}` report David's location to Saul, identifying his hiding place as the **wood** on the hill `{{H1389}}` of Hachilah `{{H2444}}` [[1 Samuel 23:19]]. The term is also used in a practical sense, as a place where castles `{{H1003}}` and towers `{{H4026}}` are built [[2 Chronicles 27:4]]. Metaphorically, it describes the Assyrian `{{H804}}` empire as a mighty cedar `{{H730}}` with a "shadowing `{{H6751}}` **shroud** `{{H2793}}`" [[Ezekiel 31:3]] and symbolizes judgment as a "forsaken `{{H5800}}` **bough** `{{H2793}}`" [[Isaiah 17:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and nature of a **chôresh**:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (mountain): Forests are often associated with elevated terrain. In the mountains `{{H2022}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}`, cities were built, while in the **forests** `{{H2793}}`, castles `{{H1003}}` and towers `{{H4026}}` were constructed [[2 Chronicles 27:4]].
* `{{H1389}}` **gibʻâh** (hillock): This term specifies the landscape where a forest might be found. The **wood** `{{H2793}}` that concealed David was located in the hill `{{H1389}}` of Hachilah `{{H2444}}` [[1 Samuel 23:19]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (wilderness): A **wood** `{{H2793}}` can exist within a larger, untamed region, offering specific cover. David was in the wilderness `{{H4057}}` of Ziph in a **wood** `{{H2793}}` [[1 Samuel 23:15]].
* `{{H1003}}` **bîyrânîyth** (castle): This indicates the strategic value of forests as locations for fortifications. In the **forests** `{{H2793}}`, people built `{{H1129}}` castles `{{H1003}}` for defense [[2 Chronicles 27:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2793}}` is multifaceted, representing safety, power, and judgment.
* **Place of Refuge and Covenant:** The **wood** is more than a hiding place; it is a sanctuary where Jonathan strengthens David's hand in God `{{H430}}` [[1 Samuel 23:16]]. It becomes the setting for a solemn covenant `{{H1285}}` made before the LORD `{{H3068}}`, affirming their loyal bond [[1 Samuel 23:18]].
* **Symbol of Worldly Power:** In Ezekiel's prophecy, the Assyrian empire's might is captured through the image of a great cedar whose expansive canopy is called a "shadowing `{{H6751}}` **shroud** `{{H2793}}`," representing its vast and protective, yet imposing, influence [[Ezekiel 31:3]].
* **Metaphor for Divine Judgment:** Conversely, a decaying or abandoned **chôresh** symbolizes ruin. Isaiah prophesies that the strong `{{H4581}}` cities of Israel `{{H3478}}` will become like a "forsaken `{{H5800}}` **bough** `{{H2793}}`," a stark image of the desolation `{{H8077}}` that will result from judgment [[Isaiah 17:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2793}}` carries meaning far beyond its literal definition of a **forest** or **wood**. It is a setting for refuge, a sacred space for covenant, and a strategic site for fortification. Prophetically, it serves as a potent symbol for both the towering strength of empires and the desolation that follows divine judgment. From the literal **wood** that concealed a future king to the metaphorical **shroud** of a nation, **chôresh** illustrates how a physical place can embody profound spiritual and historical themes.
TRV