The Hebrew word nâzal, represented by H5140, is a primitive root meaning to drip, or shed by trickling. It conveys a range of actions from a gentle distilling to a powerful gushing out, and is translated as flood, flow, melt, or pour down. It appears 17 times across 16 unique verses, illustrating its use in both literal and figurative contexts.
In biblical narratives, H5140 is frequently used to describe the movement of water and other substances as a result of divine action. It portrays God's provision for Israel, as He caused waters to flow from the rock in the desert Isaiah 48:21. The word also depicts overwhelming divine power, where mountains melted before the presence of the LORD Judges 5:5. Figuratively, it describes the impartation of spiritual truths, such as when Moses' speech is to distil as the dew Deuteronomy 32:2 or when the skies are called to pour down righteousness Isaiah 45:8.
Several related words help to clarify the concept of flowing and pouring:
- H2100 zûwb (to flow freely): This word often appears in parallel with H5140 to emphasize a free-flowing or gushing action. In the wilderness, after God caused water to flow, it also gushed out Isaiah 48:21.
- H7491 râʻaph (to drip): This term is used to describe a gentle dripping or distillation, often from the sky. The clouds are said to drop H5140 and distil H7491 upon man Job 36:28.
- H4325 mayim (water): As the substance most commonly associated with flowing, this word is central to understanding H5140. It is used for literal running waters Proverbs 5:15 and for the metaphorical waters of tears that gush from the eyelids Jeremiah 9:18.
The theological significance of H5140 is tied to its depiction of God's direct interaction with the world.
- Divine Provision and Blessing: The word is used to describe God's life-giving blessings. He promises to pour floods upon the dry ground, an act directly linked to pouring out His Spirit and blessing Isaiah 44:3. The promise of a king whose kingdom will be exalted is described as water being poured from his buckets Numbers 24:7.
- The Power of God's Word: H5140 is used to illustrate how God's teaching and righteousness are dispensed. Moses' doctrine and speech are described as dropping and distilling upon the people like rain and dew Deuteronomy 32:2.
- God's Overwhelming Presence: The word can describe a powerful, almost violent, manifestation of God's power over creation. At the crossing of the Red Sea, the floods stood upright as a heap Exodus 15:8. In the context of judgment on Egypt, their rivers and floods were turned into blood Psalms 78:44.
In summary, H5140 is a dynamic word that encompasses the full spectrum of flowing, from a gentle trickle to a mighty torrent. It serves as a powerful descriptor for God's actions, whether providing life-giving water, dispensing wisdom and righteousness, or demonstrating His awesome power through judgment and miracles. It shows how the natural world is used in Scripture to reveal the multifaceted character of God.
TRV