The Hebrew word mitspun, represented by H4710, refers to a hidden thing. Derived from a root meaning to hide, it carries the sense of a secret place or thing, and perhaps a hidden treasure. Its appearance in scripture is exceptionally rare, occurring only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The single use of H4710 is found in a prophetic declaration of judgment in Obadiah 1:6: "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!" In this context, the word describes the secret treasures or hidden strongholds of Esau that are being thoroughly plundered. The verse portrays a complete and devastating search where nothing, no matter how carefully concealed, can escape discovery.
Several related words in its single context illuminate the meaning of H4710:
- H6215 ʻÊsâv (Esau): The subject of the judgment, identified as a son of Isaac and brother of Jacob Genesis 27:41. The prophecy is directed at him and his posterity, whose hidden things are being exposed Obadiah 1:6.
- H2664 châphas (to seek): This word appears directly with H4710 in the phrase "searched out." It signifies a diligent search, as seen when the spirit of man searches the inward parts Proverbs 20:27 or when one searches for wisdom as for treasure Proverbs 2:4.
- H1158 bâʻâh (to desire earnestly...seek up): This term, translated as "sought up" in Obadiah 1:6, intensifies the action. It implies an earnest and powerful seeking, elsewhere translated as "swelling out" or to "enquire" (Isaiah 30:13, Isaiah 21:12).
The theological weight of H4710 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- Inescapable Judgment: The word is used to emphasize the totality of God's judgment against Esau. There is no secret place or hidden treasure that can be kept from this divine accounting, signifying that nothing can be concealed from God's sight Obadiah 1:6.
- Divine Scrutiny: The searching out of "hidden things" illustrates God's ability to expose what is concealed. This is reinforced by the associated word H2664, used elsewhere to describe God's searching of Jerusalem with candles Zephaniah 1:12 and the searching of the human spirit Proverbs 20:27.
- Exposure of Prideful Security: Esau's "hidden things" represent the material wealth and secret strongholds in which he placed his trust. Their exposure signifies the futility of trusting in earthly treasures against divine judgment.
In summary, H4710 is a potent but highly specific term. While it literally means hidden thing, its sole biblical appearance in Obadiah 1:6 ties it permanently to the theme of exhaustive divine judgment. It demonstrates that nothing, whether a physical treasure or a secret stronghold, can be concealed from the all-seeing and all-powerful scrutiny of God when He enacts His judgment upon a people like ʻÊsâv.
TRV