The Hebrew word châshaq, represented by H2836, is a primitive root meaning to cling, join, love, or delight in. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses, illustrating a range of meanings from physical attachment to profound emotional and divine love. Its definition includes having a desire, to fillet, to long for, and to set love upon someone.
In its biblical usage, H2836 expresses both divine affection and human desire. The LORD "set his love" on Israel not because of their greatness but out of His sovereign choice Deuteronomy 7:7. This divine "delight" is also shown towards the fathers of Israel, whom God chose to love Deuteronomy 10:15. On a human level, it describes the longing of Shechem's soul for Dinah Genesis 34:8 and a man's desire for a captive woman Deuteronomy 21:11. The word also has a literal, structural meaning, used to describe how the pillars of the tabernacle court were to be "filleted" with silver, physically joining them together (Exodus 27:17, Exodus 38:28).
Several related words help clarify the meanings of H2836:
- H2837 chêsheq (desire, pleasure): This noun form is used in conjunction with H2836 to describe all that Solomon "desired" to build in his kingdom 1 Kings 9:19.
- H2838 châshuq (fillet): This is the noun for the physical objects created through the action of H2836, referring to the silver "fillets" that connected the tabernacle pillars Exodus 38:17.
- H157 'ahab (to love): This common word for love is used alongside H2836 to emphasize God's relationship with Israel's ancestors, stating He "had a delight" in them "to love" them Deuteronomy 10:15.
The theological weight of H2836 is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
- Sovereign Love: The word is used to show that God's love is elective and not based on the merit of its object. The LORD "set his love" H2836 on Israel specifically because they were the "fewest of all people," not the greatest Deuteronomy 7:7.
- Love that Delivers: God's love is presented as an active, delivering force. He promises, "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him" Psalms 91:14. Similarly, Hezekiah proclaims that God, in "love" to his soul, delivered him from the pit of corruption Isaiah 38:17.
- Joining and Attachment: The literal meaning of "to fillet" or "to join" provides a physical picture for the spiritual reality. God's love is a deep attachment that joins Him to His people, providing stability and connection, much like the fillets joined the pillars of the court Exodus 27:17.
In summary, H2836 châshaq is a rich term that bridges the physical act of joining with the deep emotion of love and desire. It moves from the architectural details of the tabernacle to the profound mystery of God's sovereign love for His people. Through this word, we see that the love of God is not a passive feeling but an active, binding force that chooses, delights in, and delivers its object.
TRV