### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chashrâh**, represented by `{{H2841}}`, is defined as a "combination or gathering, i.e. of watery clouds; dark." This rare term appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, within **1 unique verse**. Its significance comes from its contribution to a powerful and vivid description of God's presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H2841}}` is in [[2 Samuel 22:12]], where it describes the environment surrounding God. In this verse, God makes darkness His pavilion, which is formed by "**dark** waters" (`chashrâh` `mayim`) and "thick clouds of the skies." The term is used to convey the dense, water-laden nature of the clouds that veil His glory, emphasizing a majestic and mysterious theophany.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of `{{H2841}}`:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): This word, defined as "the dark; hence (literally) darkness," is a core component of the scene in [[2 Samuel 22:12]]. It is a foundational biblical concept, present from the beginning when **darkness** was upon the face of the deep [[Genesis 1:2]].
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): Defined as "water," this word is directly qualified by `chashrâh`. While often symbolizing life and refreshment, as when the thirsty are invited to the **waters** [[Isaiah 55:1]], in this context it forms part of God's formidable and unapproachable dwelling.
* `{{H5645}}` **ʻâb** (thick cloud): This term for a "(scud) cloud" or "**thick** cloud" appears alongside `chashrâh` to complete the imagery. It is often associated with God's presence, as when the Lord came to Moses in a **thick** cloud at Sinai [[Exodus 19:9]].
* `{{H5521}}` **çukkâh** (pavilion): This word, meaning a "hut or lair; booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent," is what God constructs from the darkness. It is used elsewhere as a place of divine protection and refuge [[Psalms 31:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2841}}` is tied to its role in describing divine concealment and power.
* **Veiled Majesty:** The "dark waters" are part of the `çukkâh` (pavilion) `{{H5521}}` that God makes `çâbîyb` (round about) `{{H5439}}` Himself. This imagery in [[2 Samuel 22:12]] shows that God's full glory is veiled in `chôshek` (darkness) and thick clouds.
* **Divine Authority:** The ability to gather watery clouds demonstrates God's sovereign control over creation. He is the one who forms light and creates `chôshek` (darkness) [[Isaiah 45:7]] and covers the `shachaq` (skies) `{{H7834}}` with `ʻâb` (clouds) `{{H5645}}`.
* **Awe-Inspiring Presence:** The scene where `chashrâh` appears is a theophany. God does not simply exist in darkness; He `shîyth` (makes) `{{H7896}}` it His dwelling, showing that what might seem ominous to humanity is an environment of His own choosing and power.
### Summary
In summary, though `{{H2841}}` is exceptionally rare, its single use is pivotal. As "a gathering of watery clouds," **chashrâh** is a key ingredient in the biblical portrait of God's awesome and mysterious presence. It works in concert with terms for darkness, water, and clouds to illustrate a majesty that is both powerful and purposefully hidden within a pavilion of the elements He commands.
TRV