### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2894 (טוּא, ṭûwʼ) is identified as a primitive root, signifying its foundational nature within the Hebrew lexicon. Its core semantic range is quite narrow, centering on the physical action of "to sweep away" or simply "to sweep." This implies a deliberate and thorough act of removal, clearing, or complete eradication. The nuance of "sweeping" suggests a comprehensive and often forceful elimination, leaving nothing behind. While primarily descriptive of a physical action, its metaphorical application, particularly in the sole biblical occurrence, imbues it with profound theological weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H2894 appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence exceptionally significant:
* **[[2 Kings 21:13]]**: "And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down."
* In this passage, the LORD declares His impending judgment upon Jerusalem due to the egregious idolatry and wickedness of King Manasseh. The verb H2894 is employed in the vivid simile: "I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish."
* The imagery is stark and powerful. A dish is not merely cleaned of surface dirt; it is thoroughly "wiped" or "swept" clean, and then "turned upside down" (וְהָפַכְתִּי עַל־פָּנֶיהָ) to ensure its complete emptiness and desolation.
* The comparison to Samaria and the house of Ahab reinforces the severity of this judgment, as both were utterly destroyed and removed from their place. This signifies a comprehensive and devastating removal of Jerusalem's inhabitants, its status, and its very existence as a functioning kingdom, leaving it utterly desolate. The action is one of complete eradication and purification through divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular occurrence, direct lexical parallels for H2894 are limited. However, the concept it conveys resonates with broader biblical themes and related vocabulary:
* **Divine Judgment and Destruction:** The act of "sweeping away" aligns with verbs denoting destruction, consumption, and desolation, such as `{{H3615}}` (כָּלָה, kalah - to complete, consume, destroy), `{{H8045}}` (שָׁמַם, shamam - to be desolate, appalled), and `{{H7722}}` (שׁוּב, shuv - to return, but often used in contexts of turning back or reversing fortunes, implying judgment).
* **Cleansing and Purification:** While H2894 describes the *means* of removal, it relates conceptually to words signifying cleansing or purification, such as `{{H2891}}` (טָהֵר, taher - to be clean, pure) or `{{H3722}}` (כָּפַר, kaphar - to cover, atone, purge). The "sweeping" is a violent form of purification, removing defilement through destruction.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Control:** The subject of the verb H2894 in [[2 Kings 21:13]] is God Himself, underscoring His absolute authority and power to execute judgment upon nations and individuals. This connects to the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering justice.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet profoundly impactful use of H2894 in [[2 Kings 21:13]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to:
* **God's Uncompromising Justice:** The imagery of "sweeping a dish clean" is not merely about removal but about *thoroughness*. It communicates that when God's judgment is enacted, it is absolute, leaving nothing untouched or partially dealt with. There is no half-measure in His righteous indignation against persistent sin.
* **The Severity of Covenant Breaking:** The context of Manasseh's idolatry and the subsequent judgment on Jerusalem highlights the dire consequences of breaking covenant with God. The "sweeping away" signifies the complete dissolution of the protective relationship and the full weight of divine wrath.
* **Divine Patience and Its Limits:** This verse implicitly teaches that while God is patient and slow to anger, His patience has limits. Once those limits are reached, the consequences are devastating and complete, a stark warning against presumption and continued rebellion.
* **Preparation for Future Restoration (Implicit):** While the immediate context is one of overwhelming judgment, the act of sweeping a dish clean, in its broader metaphorical sense, ultimately prepares it for new use. This subtly points to a future hope of purification and restoration for a remnant, though the primary focus of H2894 is the destructive phase of judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H2894 (טוּא, ṭûwʼ), meaning "to sweep away" or "to sweep," is a primitive root found only once in the Old Testament, in [[2 Kings 21:13]]. In this solitary yet potent occurrence, it powerfully describes God's impending judgment upon Jerusalem, likening His action to one who thoroughly "wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down." This vivid metaphor conveys the absolute and comprehensive nature of divine judgment, emphasizing a complete removal and devastation. The word underscores God's uncompromising justice and His sovereign power to execute judgment upon persistent sin and idolatry, serving as a solemn warning of the thoroughness with which He purges defilement. Despite its singular usage, its impact is profound, illustrating the severity and totality of God's righteous indignation.
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