a primitive root; to place; intransitively, to be placed; be put (set).
Transliteration:yâsam
Pronunciation:yaw-sam'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H3455}}` (yâsam) is a primitive root, carrying the core meaning of "to place," "to set," or "to put." It can function transitively, indicating the act of placing something, or intransitively, signifying the state of being placed or set. While its basic definition is straightforward, its rare occurrences in the biblical text suggest a nuanced or specific application rather than a general act of positioning. It implies a deliberate and intentional act of causing something to be in a particular location or state, often with an underlying purpose or consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H3455}}` (yâsam) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, specifically in [[2 Samuel 22:34]], which is a parallel passage to [[Psalm 18:33]]. Its singular occurrence makes its context particularly significant for understanding its full semantic weight.
* **[[2 Samuel 22:34]]**: "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." (NIV) The King James Version renders the latter part as "and setteth me upon my high places."
* The Hebrew form used here is וַיַּשְׁמֵנִי (vayyashmeni), which is the Hiphil imperfect of יָשַׂם (yâsam) with a first-person singular pronominal suffix. The Hiphil stem denotes a causative action, meaning "He causes me to be placed" or "He sets me."
* Contextually, this verse is part of David's song of deliverance, a powerful psalm of praise to Yahweh for His divine intervention, protection, and strength in times of conflict and distress.
* The imagery is vivid: God grants David the agility and sure-footedness of a deer (or hind) to navigate treacherous terrain, and then actively "sets" or "places" him on "high places" (בָּמוֹתַי, bāmôtay). This signifies not just a passive arrival but a divinely orchestrated positioning in a secure, elevated, and advantageous location, perhaps symbolic of victory, safety, or authority. The verb emphasizes God's direct and personal involvement in establishing David's stability and triumph.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the extreme rarity of `{{H3455}}` (yâsam), its direct lexical cognates are limited. However, it shares semantic space with several other Hebrew verbs that convey the idea of placing, setting, or establishing:
* `{{H7760}}` (śîm / śûm): This is by far the most common Hebrew verb for "to put," "to place," or "to set." While `{{H3455}}` (yâsam) is phonetically similar and shares a core meaning, its singular, poetic usage in David's song might suggest a more specific or emphatic nuance of divine placement compared to the general utility of `{{H7760}}`.
* `{{H5975}}` (ʿāmad): "to stand," "to take one's stand." While not directly "placing," it relates to the *result* of being placed – a state of standing firm or being established.
* `{{H3322}}` (yāṣab): "to take one's stand," "to present oneself." Similar to `{{H5975}}`, often implying a deliberate positioning.
* `{{H3559}}` (kûn): "to be established," "to stand firm," "to prepare." This verb frequently describes God's act of establishing foundations, kingdoms, or individuals, often with an emphasis on permanence and divine purpose.
The concept of divine "setting" or "establishing" is a pervasive theological theme, underscoring God's sovereignty and active role in human affairs.
### Theological Significance
The singular, powerful appearance of `{{H3455}}` (yâsam) in the context of David's song of deliverance carries profound theological significance. It attributes a specific, active, and benevolent action directly to God.
1. **Divine Enablement and Providence**: The verb highlights God's active role in *enabling* and *positioning* His servant. It's not merely that David finds himself on the heights, but that God *places* him there. This speaks to God's meticulous care and His sovereign power to uplift and secure His chosen ones, even amidst adversity.
2. **Security and Triumph**: The imagery of being "set on high places" (bāmôtay) by God signifies divine protection, elevation above enemies, and a secure footing in perilous situations. It is a metaphor for spiritual and physical triumph granted by divine power.
3. **God as the Source of Stability**: In a world of flux and danger, this verb proclaims God as the ultimate source of stability and firm foundation. He is the one who actively "sets" His people, ensuring their footing and establishing them in positions of strength.
4. **Personal Relationship with God**: The first-person singular suffix ("He sets *me*") underscores the deeply personal nature of God's intervention in the life of the psalmist, a testament to an intimate covenant relationship.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H3455}}` (yâsam), meaning "to place," "to set," or "to be placed/set," is a rare but profoundly significant term in the biblical lexicon. Its sole occurrence in the Masoretic Text, within the powerful song of deliverance in [[2 Samuel 22:34]] (and its parallel [[Psalm 18:33]]), reveals its theological depth. Used in the Hiphil stem, it depicts God's active and deliberate act of *causing* His servant (David) to be positioned securely and triumphantly "on the high places," akin to a sure-footed deer. This verb underscores God's sovereign enablement, His providential care, and His personal intervention in establishing His people in positions of strength, security, and victory. While sharing semantic space with more common verbs like `{{H7760}}` (śîm), the unique usage of `{{H3455}}` lends a distinct emphasis to the divine act of purposeful and beneficial placement, affirming God as the ultimate source of stability and triumph for His beloved.
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