The Hebrew word lâṭ, represented by H3909, carries the meaning of being covered or secret. Appearing 6 times in 6 unique verses, its usage spans from adverbial descriptions like softly, privily, and secretly to nouns like enchantment and incantation. This word consistently points to actions or arts that are performed covertly and out of plain sight.
In the biblical narrative, H3909 is used to describe two distinct types of hidden action. First, it characterizes personal acts done with stealth or discretion. Ruth approached Boaz softly at the threshing floor Ruth 3:7, and David cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily in the cave 1 Samuel 24:4. Similarly, Saul instructed his servants to commune with David secretly 1 Samuel 18:22. Second, the word denotes the occult practices of the Egyptian magicians, who used their enchantments in an attempt to replicate the plagues brought by God (Exodus 7:22, Exodus 8:7, Exodus 8:18).
Several related words help clarify the context in which H3909 appears:
- H2748 charṭôm (magician): This term, meaning "a horoscopist... magician," refers to the practitioners who used enchantments. The narrative explicitly states the magicians did so with their enchantments when they brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt Exodus 8:7.
- H6213 ʻâsâh (to do or make): This common verb, meaning "to do or make," is used to describe the actions of the magicians. For example, the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments when replicating the plague of blood Exodus 7:22.
- H6680 tsâvâh (to constitute, enjoin; appoint... command): This word for giving a command is linked to the concept of secrecy when Saul commanded his servants to speak with David secretly 1 Samuel 18:22.
The use of H3909 carries significant thematic weight in scripture, particularly in its contrast between human and divine power.
- Covert Human Action: The word is used to describe human plans carried out in secret. These actions can be for different ends, from Ruth's discreet and pivotal move at the feet of Boaz Ruth 3:7 to the strategic and merciful act of David in the cave 1 Samuel 24:4.
- The Power and Limits of Enchantments: In the book of Exodus, H3909 is the specific term for the magical arts used by Pharaoh's magicians. They successfully used these enchantments to bring up frogs Exodus 8:7, but their power was shown to be limited when they were unable to bring forth lice Exodus 8:18.
- Supernatural Contests: The conflict between Moses and the Egyptian magicians highlights the difference between God's authority and occult power. The magicians' use of secret enchantments ultimately fails, demonstrating the futility of hidden arts when confronted with the revealed power of the LORD.
In summary, H3909 is a specific and potent word that encompasses both the idea of personal secrecy and the practice of magical arts. It is used to narrate key moments of stealthy action by individuals like Ruth and David, while also defining the enchantments of the Egyptian magicians. Through its use, scripture explores the nature of hidden actions and contrasts the limited power of occult secrets with the ultimate authority of God.
TRV