of uncertain derivation; probably bronze or polished spectrum metal; amber.
Transliteration:chashmal
Pronunciation:khash-mal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term chashmal (`{{H2830}}`) is a word of uncertain derivation, appearing rarely in the biblical text. Its base definition suggests a material that is either "bronze or polished spectrum metal" or "amber." This range indicates a substance characterized by its luster, perhaps a metallic sheen, a fiery glow, or a translucent, gem-like quality. Many scholars lean towards an interpretation of chashmal as a brilliant, highly polished metal, possibly an alloy like electrum (a natural mixture of gold and silver), which would possess a shimmering, yellowish-white appearance. The "amber" translation, while present in some older lexicons, is less favored in modern scholarship for the biblical context, though it similarly evokes a luminous, yellowish-brown hue. Regardless of the precise material, the common thread is one of intense radiance and brilliance, suggesting a substance that reflects or emits light powerfully.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word chashmal (`{{H2830}}`) appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, and always in the context of describing the divine glory and the appearance of the Lord.
1. [[Ezekiel 1:4]]: "As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were, chashmal." Here, chashmal is depicted as being at the very heart of a divine fire, surrounded by brightness and emerging from a storm cloud. It contributes to the overwhelming visual spectacle of God's approach.
2. [[Ezekiel 1:27]]: "And upward from what appeared to be his waist I saw as it were chashmal, with the appearance of fire all around it. And downward from what appeared to be his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him." This verse describes the appearance of the divine figure seated on the throne. Chashmal is specifically located above the waist, enveloped in fire, indicating a core element of the Lord's radiant form.
3. [[Ezekiel 8:2]]: "Then I looked, and behold, a likeness that had the appearance of a man: below what appeared to be his waist was fire, and above his waist was chashmal." This verse reiterates the description from [[Ezekiel 1:27]], confirming chashmal as a consistent feature of the divine appearance in Ezekiel's visions.
In all occurrences, chashmal is intimately associated with fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`) and brightness (נֹגַהּ, `{{H5051}}`), serving to convey the dazzling, awe-inspiring, and almost indescribable nature of God's presence. It is a key element in Ezekiel's attempts to articulate a vision that transcends ordinary human experience and language.
### Related Words & Concepts
Chashmal (`{{H2830}}`) is intrinsically linked to several other concepts and terms that describe divine majesty and revelation:
* **Fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`):** Most directly related, as chashmal is consistently depicted as being "in the midst of the fire" or having "the appearance of fire all around it." This suggests an intense, living, and purifying flame, often associated with God's presence (e.g., the burning bush, Sinai).
* **Brightness/Radiance (נֹגַהּ, `{{H5051}}`):** Frequently paired with chashmal and fire, emphasizing the luminous and glorious quality of the divine manifestation. This term denotes a brilliant light or splendor.
* **Glory (כָּבוֹד, `{{H3519}}`):** The overarching theological concept that chashmal helps to visually represent. It is an attribute of God's weighty, majestic, and awe-inspiring presence. Ezekiel's visions are primarily concerned with the *kavod* of Yahweh.
* **Sapphire (סַפִּיר, `{{H5601}}`):** Mentioned in [[Ezekiel 1:26]] as the appearance of the throne above the heads of the living creatures. This deep, brilliant blue gem provides a striking contrast or complement to the fiery chashmal, suggesting a multifaceted splendor.
* **Theophany:** Chashmal is a crucial descriptive element in the elaborate theophanies presented in Ezekiel, which are visual manifestations of God to humanity. It contributes to the overall sense of divine power, transcendence, and holiness.
The elusive nature of chashmal itself, and its association with intense light and fire, places it within a broader biblical tradition of describing divine encounters with terms that stretch human language, pointing to a reality beyond full comprehension.
### Theological Significance
The presence of chashmal (`{{H2830}}`) in Ezekiel's visions carries profound theological weight:
* **Ineffability of God:** The very ambiguity and rarity of chashmal underscore the ineffability of God's glory. Ezekiel struggles to articulate what he sees, employing terms like "as it were" and "likeness of," and resorting to unique or obscure words like chashmal to convey the indescribable nature of the divine. It signifies that God's being transcends human categories and language.
* **Holiness and Purity:** The consistent association of chashmal with fire and brilliant light serves to emphasize God's absolute holiness and purity. This is not a destructive fire in the sense of judgment, but a glorious, consuming, and refining fire that marks His set-apart nature.
* **Majesty and Power:** The radiant, perhaps metallic or intensely glowing, nature of chashmal contributes to the portrayal of God's immense power, majesty, and unapproachable glory. It is a visual representation of divine might that inspires both awe and reverence.
* **Divine Presence and Sovereignty:** Chashmal is a key component in the visual manifestation of God's presence, particularly within the context of His throne and chariot, which symbolize His universal sovereignty and His ability to move and act throughout creation. It is part of the divine "signature" in Ezekiel's encounter.
* **Revelation and Concealment:** While chashmal serves to reveal aspects of God's glory to the prophet, its mysterious quality also contributes to the sense of God's hiddenness and transcendence. The full nature of God remains beyond human grasp, even in a direct vision.
### Summary
The Hebrew word chashmal (`{{H2830}}`) is a rare and enigmatic term, found exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, where it describes a component of the divine glory. While its precise etymological meaning is debated, it is generally understood to refer to a brilliant, highly polished metal or a substance with a fiery, luminous quality, akin to electrum. Contextual analysis reveals chashmal as consistently associated with intense fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`) and brightness (נֹגַהּ, `{{H5051}}`), forming a central part of the awe-inspiring vision of God's throne and the divine figure. Theologically, chashmal profoundly underscores the ineffability, holiness, and majestic power of God. It functions as a linguistic and visual marker of divine transcendence and immanence, contributing to Ezekiel's profound and reverent attempts to articulate the unutterable splendor of the Almighty.
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