The Hebrew word lâchem, represented by H3901, means battle or war. It is derived from the root לָחַם. This term is rare, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The single appearance of H3901 is in Judges 5:8, where it describes the direct consequence of Israel's actions: "They chose new gods; then was war in the gates". This verse powerfully connects the arrival of conflict to the people's choice to turn to idolatry. The passage also highlights Israel's resulting vulnerability, questioning if a shield H4043 or spear H7420 was even seen H7200 among them.
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of H3901:
- H977 bâchar (choose): This act is the catalyst for the war. Israel's decision to choose new gods is presented as the direct cause of the conflict Judges 5:8, contrasting with the biblical call to choose life Deuteronomy 30:19.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods): This word for God or gods is central to the passage. While it most often refers to the supreme God Genesis 1:1, the "new gods" chosen by the people are the explicit reason war H3901 ensued Judges 5:8.
- H8179 shaʻar (gate): The location of the war, "in the gates," signifies a conflict that has penetrated the heart of the community's security and civil life. The gates are a place of entry and strength, so war there indicates a deep societal crisis Judges 5:8, a stark contrast to entering God's gates with thanksgiving Psalms 100:4.
The theological weight of H3901 is concentrated in its single usage.
- Idolatry as a Catalyst for War: The appearance of H3901 establishes a direct theological link between turning from God and the outbreak of conflict. The decision to choose H977 new gods H430 is immediately followed by war Judges 5:8.
- Consequence of Disobedience: The state of war is depicted as one of utter vulnerability. The passage explicitly notes the absence of basic defensive weapons like a shield H4043 or spear H7420, illustrating that abandoning God results in a loss of protection Judges 5:8.
- Conflict at the Community's Core: The war is specified as being "in the gates" H8179. This highlights that the consequences of sin are not distant but strike at the very center of civic life, order, and safety.
In summary, lâchem H3901 encapsulates the concept of war as a direct consequence of spiritual rebellion. Though used only once, its context in Judges 5:8 provides a powerful and concise theological lesson: the choice to abandon God for other gods leads directly to conflict and leaves a people vulnerable and defenseless at the very heart of their society.
TRV