### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mabbâṭ**, represented by `{{H4007}}`, signifies an **expectation**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in scripture. The term is derived from נָבַט and refers to something expected, often highlighting a misplaced or failed hope that leads to shame and fear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4007}}` is consistently used to describe a failed or misplaced **expectation**. In the prophecies of Isaiah, the Israelites are described as being ashamed of Ethiopia, their **expectation** [[Isaiah 20:5]], and looking in vain toward their **expectation** for deliverance from the king of Assyria [[Isaiah 20:6]]. Similarly, Zechariah foretells that the **expectation** of the Philistine cities will be ashamed, leading to their sorrow and downfall [[Zechariah 9:5]]. In each case, the word points to a human-centered hope that ultimately leads to disappointment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of misplaced **expectation**:
* `{{H3001}}` **yâbêsh** (to be ashamed, confused or disappointed): This word describes the result of the Philistine cities' reliance on their own strength, as their "expectation shall be ashamed" [[Zechariah 9:5]].
* `{{H2865}}` **châthath** (to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear): This is used to describe the reaction of those whose expectation was in Ethiopia, stating they "shall be afraid" and ashamed [[Isaiah 20:5]].
* `{{H5127}}` **nûwç** (to flit, i.e. vanish away... flee): This term is used to describe the action of seeking deliverance, as the people ask where they can "flee for help" [[Isaiah 20:6]].
* `{{H5833}}` **ʻezrâh** (aid; help): This defines the object of the flight in [[Isaiah 20:6]], as the people seek a place to flee to "for help" from the king of Assyria.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4007}}` centers on the theme of proper versus improper trust.
* **Futility of Human Alliances:** The use of `{{H4007}}` serves as a warning against placing trust in human powers like Ethiopia or Egypt for deliverance. It highlights that such expectations lead to fear and shame [[Isaiah 20:5]].
* **The Inevitability of Judgment:** In Zechariah, the "expectation" of the Philistine cities being "ashamed" is tied directly to their impending judgment, showing that false hopes provide no shelter from God's decree [[Zechariah 9:5]].
* **A Call to Proper Trust:** By showing the failure of worldly expectations, the passages implicitly point toward a greater truth. The desperate question "how shall we escape?" [[Isaiah 20:6]] reveals the hopelessness that follows when a misplaced **expectation** fails.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4007}}` is a specific and potent term used to critique misplaced faith. While appearing only three times, it consistently illustrates the concept of a failed **expectation**, particularly when hope is placed in human nations or military might rather than in God. The word serves as a stark prophetic warning, demonstrating that such expectations ultimately result not in deliverance, but in fear, shame, and ruin ([[Isaiah 20:5]], [[Zechariah 9:5]]).
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