The Hebrew word nᵉçibbâh, represented by H5252, refers to a cause or a turn of affairs. Its definition points to an environment or circumstance that leads to a specific outcome. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible, yet its singular use carries significant theological weight.
The sole appearance of H5252 is in 2 Chronicles 10:15, which describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history. When the people requested that their burdens be lightened, the king refused to listen. The scripture states that this was not a random political miscalculation, but that "the cause was of God" H430. This turn of affairs was divinely orchestrated so that the LORD H3068 would perform H6965 the word H1697 He had already spoken through the prophet Ahijah H281 to Jeroboam H3379.
Several related words are essential for understanding the context of H5252:
- H430 'ĕlôhîym (God): This term for the supreme God identifies the ultimate source of the "cause." The event was not merely human but was initiated "of God" 2 Chronicles 10:15.
- H1697 dâbâr (word): This refers to the prophetic message or decree that the "cause" was meant to fulfill. The turn of affairs happened specifically to bring God's "word" to pass 2 Chronicles 10:15.
- H6965 qûwm (perform): Meaning to establish or make stand, this word shows the purpose of the event. God orchestrated the circumstance in order to "perform" or make good on His promise Numbers 23:19.
- H8085 shâmaʻ (hearkened): This word, meaning to hear intelligently or obey, describes the king's failure. The king's refusal to hearken to the people H5971 was the direct trigger for this divinely appointed "cause" 2 Chronicles 10:15.
The theological significance of H5252 is profound despite its single use. It directly illustrates the doctrine of God's sovereignty over human history.
- Divine Sovereignty: The verse explicitly states the "cause was of God," demonstrating that God works through the decisions and actions of human leaders, even their disobedience, to accomplish His ultimate will 2 Chronicles 10:15.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: This "turn of affairs" was not arbitrary but was the mechanism to ensure a prior prophecy was fulfilled. It validates the certainty of God's spoken word H1697, showing that He will bring it to pass Isaiah 8:10.
- Purpose in Events: The use of nᵉçibbâh teaches that pivotal historical moments can be understood as divinely guided circumstances. The king's hard-hearted response was the very "cause" that fulfilled the word H1697 spoken by the hand of Ahijah H281 2 Chronicles 10:15.
In summary, H5252 is a specific and powerful term. While appearing only once, nᵉçibbâh provides a clear window into how God's sovereign plan is interwoven with human history. It defines a "cause" or "turn of affairs" not as a product of chance, but as an event orchestrated by God H430 to ensure the fulfillment of His declared word, demonstrating that nothing can stand against His counsel Proverbs 19:21.
TRV