from אָרַב; an ambuscade; lie in ambush, ambushment, lurking place, lying in wait.
Transliteration:maʼărâb
Pronunciation:mah-ar-awb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H3993}}` (מַאֲרָב, *maʼărâb*) derives directly from the verbal root `{{H693}}` (אָרַב, *ʼārab*), which means "to lie in wait," "to ambush," or "to set an ambush." As a noun, `{{H3993}}` encapsulates several related concepts:
1. **The act of ambushing:** It refers to the strategic maneuver of lying concealed to surprise an enemy.
2. **The place of ambush:** It can denote the hidden location where an ambush is set, a "lurking place."
3. **The ambushing party:** Less frequently, it can refer to the group of individuals engaged in the ambush, an "ambuscade."
The semantic range thus encompasses the tactical, spatial, and sometimes collective aspects of a hidden, sudden attack, emphasizing concealment and a decisive, often deceptive, strike.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3993}}` appears predominantly in narratives describing military strategy and conflict, particularly in the books of Joshua and Judges.
A prime example is the account of the second assault on Ai in [[Joshua 8]]. Here, `{{H3993}}` is used repeatedly to describe the specific military tactic employed by Israel under divine instruction. Joshua strategically deploys a large contingent of soldiers to lie in ambush behind the city ([[Joshua 8:2]], [[Joshua 8:4]], [[Joshua 8:7]], [[Joshua 8:9]], [[Joshua 8:12]], [[Joshua 8:13]], [[Joshua 8:14]], [[Joshua 8:19]], [[Joshua 8:21]]). The success of this *maʼărâb* against Ai is directly attributed to God's guidance, turning a human military stratagem into an instrument of divine judgment and victory.
Similarly, in [[Judges 9]], `{{H3993}}` describes Abimelech's use of ambushes against Shechem ([[Judges 9:34]], [[Judges 9:35]], [[Judges 9:43]]), illustrating a more ruthless and self-serving application of the tactic in inter-Israelite conflict.
Beyond military contexts, `{{H3993}}` is employed metaphorically to convey a sense of hidden danger or inevitable judgment. In [[Jeremiah 9:8]], the prophet laments that the tongue of the people is like a "deadly arrow," speaking deceit, and among them, one lies in wait (`{{H3993}}`) for another, highlighting treachery and malicious intent. In [[Lamentations 3:10]], the imagery of God as a bear or a lion "lying in wait" (`{{H3993}}`) for the afflicted portrays the sudden and overwhelming nature of divine judgment and discipline.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H693}}` (אָרַב, *ʼārab*), from which `{{H3993}}` is derived. This root consistently denotes the act of lying in wait.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Concealment:** Words like `{{H6652}}` (צָפַן, *tsaphan*, "to hide, conceal") or `{{H5641}}` (סָתַר, *satar*, "to hide, be hidden") relate to the necessary prerequisite for an ambush.
* **Traps/Snares:** `{{H6341}}` (פָּח, *pach*, "trap, snare") or `{{H4170}}` (מוֹקֵשׁ, *moqesh*, "snare, trap") often represent the desired outcome of an ambush, capturing an unsuspecting target.
* **Strategy/Deception:** The concept of `{{H3993}}` inherently involves strategic planning and often an element of deception.
* **Warfare:** The term is naturally associated with military tactics and the broader context of armed conflict.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3993}}` is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Warfare:** In narratives like the capture of Ai, the successful deployment of the *maʼărâb* is not merely a testament to human military prowess but is explicitly commanded and blessed by Yahweh. This demonstrates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His use of human strategy as an instrument for His purposes, even in judgment against enemies.
2. **Justice and Judgment:** When God is depicted as "lying in wait" (`{{H3993}}`), as in Lamentations, it conveys the idea of a sudden, inescapable, and often severe divine judgment or discipline. It underscores God's omnipotence and His ability to bring about justice in unexpected ways and at His appointed time.
3. **Human Malice and Treachery:** In contexts like Jeremiah, the use of `{{H3993}}` for human actions highlights the depth of human sinfulness, particularly the insidious nature of deceit, betrayal, and malicious intent. It portrays the danger posed by those who secretly plot harm against others, reflecting a broken relationship with God and neighbor.
4. **God's Protection:** Implicitly, the concept of an ambush also underscores the need for divine protection against those who "lie in wait" for the righteous, reinforcing God as a deliverer from hidden dangers and malicious schemes.
### Summary
`{{H3993}}` (מַאֲרָב, *maʼărâb*) denotes an ambush, a lurking place, or the act of lying in wait. Rooted in `{{H693}}`, its primary usage is found in military contexts, describing a strategic, concealed maneuver to surprise an enemy, as powerfully illustrated in the conquest of Ai under divine direction. Beyond literal warfare, `{{H3993}}` extends metaphorically to describe human treachery and deceit, where individuals secretly plot harm against others. Crucially, it also portrays God's sudden and often inescapable judgment, illustrating His sovereignty and justice. Thus, `{{H3993}}` serves as a potent term to convey both human cunning and divine omnipotence in bringing about unexpected outcomes, whether in conflict, judgment, or the unfolding of divine will.
TRV