### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nîyçân**, represented by `{{H5212}}`, is a term of probably foreign origin that refers to **Nisan, the first month of the Jewish sacred year**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, marking its specific but significant role in the biblical timeline.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5212}}` is used to pinpoint specific moments in Israel's history. It is explicitly identified as the **first** `{{H7223}}` **month** `{{H2320}}` [[Esther 3:7]]. This verse places the events of Haman casting the lot, or Pur, in the month of **Nisan** during the twelfth **year** `{{H8141}}` of **king** `{{H4428}}` **Ahasuerus** `{{H325}}`. Another key event takes place in the **month** `{{H2320}}` of **Nisan** during the reign of Artaxerxes the **king** `{{H4428}}`, when Nehemiah served wine to him before receiving permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls [[Nehemiah 2:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the temporal context of **Nîyçân**:
* `{{H2320}}` **chôdesh** (month): This word, meaning **the new moon** or **a month**, is used alongside `{{H5212}}` in both of its occurrences ([[Esther 3:7]], [[Nehemiah 2:1]]). It is fundamental to the biblical system of marking time, feasts, and seasons [[Ezekiel 45:17]].
* `{{H7223}}` **riʼshôwn** (first): This term, meaning **first, in place, time or rank**, is used to explicitly define **Nisan** as "the **first** month" [[Esther 3:7]]. It also carries theological weight, as God identifies Himself as the **first** and the last [[Isaiah 44:6]].
* `{{H143}}` **ʼĂdâr** (Adar): Mentioned in direct connection with **Nisan**, **Adar** is identified as the **12th Hebrew month** [[Esther 3:7]]. The events that begin in **Nisan** culminate in the month of **Adar**, highlighting the narrative arc within the book of Esther.
* `{{H8141}}` **shâneh** (year): This word for **year** frames the specific historical settings for the events in **Nisan**, such as "the twelfth **year** of king Ahasuerus" [[Esther 3:7]] and "the twentieth **year** of Artaxerxes the king" [[Nehemiah 2:1]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing infrequently, the placement of `{{H5212}}` carries significant weight.
* **A Marker for Divine Providence:** The mention of **Nisan** in the book of Esther marks the beginning of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews. The casting of lots in this **first** `{{H7223}}` month initiates a sequence of events that ultimately demonstrates God's power to overturn the plans of enemies [[Esther 3:7]].
* **The Start of National Restoration:** In Nehemiah, the events of the month of **Nisan** serve as the catalyst for the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah's interaction with the **king** `{{H4428}}` in this month leads directly to his commission to restore the city, signifying a time of renewal [[Nehemiah 2:1]].
* **Theological Beginning:** As the **first** `{{H7223}}` month, **Nisan** represents a point of origin. This concept of a "first month" is linked elsewhere to God's provision, such as the giving of the "former rain" [[Joel 2:23]], establishing a pattern of new beginnings within the sacred calendar.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5212}}` **Nîyçân** is specifically identified as the **first month** of the sacred year. Though its occurrences are few, they mark pivotal starting points in the biblical narrative. From the initiation of a plot that God would ultimately thwart in the book of Esther to the beginning of Nehemiah's mission of restoration, **Nisan** functions as a crucial temporal signpost for events of profound historical and theological importance.
TRV