### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâyab**, represented by `{{H340}}`, is a primitive root that means **to hate (as one of an opposite tribe or party); hence to be hostile; be an enemy**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its specific context highly significant for understanding its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H340}}` is found in [[Exodus 23:22]], where God makes a conditional promise to Israel. The verse states, "But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will **be an enemy** unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries." In this context, God's willingness to "be an enemy" is directly contingent upon Israel's obedience. If they **obey** `{{H8085}}` His **voice** `{{H6963}}` and **do** `{{H6213}}` what He **speaks** `{{H1696}}`, He will adopt a hostile position against their own foes.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of being an enemy:
* `{{H341}}` **ʼôyêb** (enemy, foe): As the active participle of `ʼâyab`, this word describes the adversary. In the promise of [[Exodus 23:22]], God commits to opposing Israel's **enemies**. This term appears often in prayers for deliverance, as in the psalm of David celebrating the LORD who delivered him from all his **enemies** `{{H341}}` [[Psalms 18:1]].
* `{{H6887}}` **tsârar** (adversary, afflict, vex): Meaning to cramp or confine, this word is used in parallel with `ʼâyab` in [[Exodus 22:22]]. It describes an oppressing force, such as the **enemy that oppresseth** `{{H6887}}` in the land, against whom Israel is to go to war [[Numbers 10:9]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently, obey): This term is the foundation of the covenantal promise. God’s action is entirely dependent on whether Israel will **obey** His voice. The importance of this act is emphasized elsewhere, stating that to **obey** is better than sacrifice [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H340}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, which highlights several key principles:
* **Conditional Divine Alliance:** The primary lesson from `ʼâyab` is that God's active role as a protector is bound to a covenant of obedience. His willingness to "be an enemy" to Israel's enemies is not unconditional but is earned through their faithfulness [[Exodus 23:22]].
* **God as Divine Champion:** By promising to "be an enemy," God portrays Himself as a divine warrior who personally enters the conflict on behalf of His people. He does not merely offer aid; He adopts their hostile relationships as His own.
* **Hostility as a Response:** The definition of `ʼâyab` as hating "as one of an opposite tribe or party" suggests that God’s hostility is a direct response to the opposition faced by His covenant people. It is a righteous and protective opposition, not an arbitrary one.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H340}}` `ʼâyab`, while exceptionally rare, offers a focused and powerful insight into God's covenant relationship with His people. Its use in [[Exodus 23:22]] shows that God's promise of protection involves actively becoming hostile to the enemies of His people. This divine intervention, however, is presented as a direct consequence of their decision to hear and obey His voice, linking God's actions to human devotion.
TRV