The Hebrew word mâzeh, represented by H4198, means exhausted or burnt. It is derived from an unused root that means to suck out. This highly specific term is one of the rarest in the Bible, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The single use of H4198 occurs in Deuteronomy 32:24, within a prophecy describing the consequences of disobedience. The verse states, "They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction." In this context, the word portrays a state of extreme exhaustion and emaciation caused by severe famine, a vivid depiction of divine judgment. The individual is not literally set on fire, but rather consumed and wasted away by lack of sustenance.
The meaning of H4198 is amplified by the words that surround it in its only biblical appearance:
- H7458 râʻâb (hunger): This term for famine or dearth is the direct cause of the state described by mâzeh. It is used to describe both a physical lack of food Ruth 1:1 and a spiritual famine for God's word Amos 8:11.
- H3898 lâcham (devoured): While used here for consumption, its root meaning also implies to battle or fight. This connection suggests that the judgment is an active assault, not merely a passive state of decay. God is often depicted as the one who will fight for His people Exodus 14:14.
- H7565 resheph (burning heat): Defined as a live coal, fever, or hot thunderbolt, this word intensifies the sense of affliction. It describes the plagues of judgment Psalms 78:48 but can also metaphorically describe the fiery intensity of love Song of Solomon 8:6.
The theological weight of H4198 is concentrated in its role as an instrument of divine judgment.
- Judgment through Famine: The word's primary function is to illustrate the severity of covenant curses. To be "burnt with hunger" Deuteronomy 32:24 is a direct consequence of turning away from God, showing His use of deprivation as a form of punishment.
- State of Utter Weakness: The root meaning, "to suck out," implies being completely drained of strength and vitality. This state of exhaustion precedes further judgments, including attacks by beasts and serpents Deuteronomy 32:24, indicating that God's initial punishment renders the unfaithful vulnerable to total destruction.
- A Component of Compound Judgment: H4198 does not stand alone. It is part of a torrent of calamities in Deuteronomy 32:24, including hunger, heat, destruction, and attack, illustrating that divine retribution can be overwhelming and multifaceted.
In summary, H4198 is a rare but powerful word that captures a specific aspect of divine judgment. Its solitary appearance in scripture is unforgettable, describing a person so wasted by hunger that they are considered "burnt" or "exhausted." It serves as a stark warning within the covenant curses, illustrating a state of utter depletion and vulnerability as a consequence of disobedience.
TRV