The Hebrew word yâtsîyʼ, represented by H3329, translates as issue, i.e. offspring or those that came forth. Derived from the word יָצָא, its meaning is tied to the concept of origin or emergence. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in the entire biblical text, making its single usage particularly significant.
The sole appearance of H3329 is in 2 Chronicles 32:21, which recounts the demise of the king of Assyria. After the LORD H3068 sent an angel H4397 to destroy the king's army, the disgraced monarch returned to his own land. The verse states that when he entered the house of his god, "they that came forth" H3329 from his own body killed him with a sword H2719. In this context, the word points specifically to the king's own children as the agents of his death, highlighting a deeply personal and ironic end.
The narrative surrounding H3329 is enriched by several related words that define the agents and instruments of judgment:
- H3068 Yᵉhôvâh (Jehovah, the Lord): The ultimate authority in the account, who initiates the Assyrian king's downfall by sending H7971 his messenger 2 Chronicles 32:21. He is described as "(the) self-Existent or Eternal".
- H4397 mălʼâk (angel): The direct agent of God's power, defined as "a messenger; specifically, of God". This angel was responsible for cutting off H3582 the Assyrian commanders 2 Chronicles 32:21.
- H5307 nâphal (to fall, slay): This word describes the final action taken against the king, as his own offspring "slew" him. It signifies a complete and decisive downfall 2 Chronicles 32:21.
- H2719 chereb (sword): The physical weapon used in the king's assassination, referred to as "a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect)". This contrasts the supernatural destruction of his army with his very physical, intimate death 2 Chronicles 32:21.
The theological weight of H3329 is found in its role within this story of divine judgment.
- Ironic Judgment: A powerful king, whose army was filled with mighty men H1368 and captains H8269, was not defeated by a foreign army but by his own "offspring." This serves as a powerful illustration of pride leading to a humiliating fall.
- Divine Sovereignty: The account demonstrates that the LORD H3068 is in control of all events. He first uses a supernatural agent, an angel H4397, and then uses the king's own family to bring about a just end.
- Betrayal from a Source of Life: The term for "offspring" H3329 comes from a root meaning "to come forth." The very ones who came forth from the king become the source of his death, a profound reversal of the natural order that underscores the totality of his defeat.
In summary, while H3329 is one of the rarest words in the Old Testament, its single use is impactful. It does not merely mean "children" but specifically "those that came forth," emphasizing their origin in the context of a stunning betrayal. This word marks the final, ironic blow in a narrative about the failure of human pride and the absolute sovereignty of God, showing how even the most intimate relationships can be an instrument of divine judgment.
TRV