### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâshal**, represented by `{{H5394}}`, is a primitive root used for actions of removal like to **pluck off, divest, or eject**. It appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses** in the Bible. Its core meaning involves causing something to be dropped, cast out, put off, or to slip away, whether by divine command, human action, or accident.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5394}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It describes God's action of dispossessing the inhabitants of Canaan, as He promises to **cast out** the seven nations before Israel [[Deuteronomy 7:1]] and **put out** those nations gradually [[Deuteronomy 7:22]]. The word also signifies an act of reverence, as when God commands Moses to **put off** his shoes on holy ground [[Exodus 3:5]], a command later echoed to Joshua [[Joshua 5:15]]. It can describe human military action, such as when the king of Syria **drave** the Jews from Elath [[2 Kings 16:6]], or even an accidental event, like an axe head that **slippeth** from its handle [[Deuteronomy 19:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the specific type of removal or action implied by `{{H5394}}`:
* `{{H7126}}` **qârab** (to approach): This word is used in direct command with `nâshal`. God tells Moses, "Draw not nigh (`qârab`)" without first performing the required act: "**put off** (`nâshal`) thy shoes" [[Exodus 3:5]]. The removal is a prerequisite for approaching the holy.
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut off): This highlights the difference between intentional and accidental action. In the law concerning manslaughter, a man goes to **cut down** (`kârath`) a tree, but the axe head accidentally **slippeth** (`nâshal`), resulting in a death [[Deuteronomy 19:5]].
* `{{H3615}}` **kâlâh** (to consume, finish): The distinction between gradual and total removal is shown in God's strategy for conquest. He will **put out** (`nâshal`) the nations little by little, because Israel cannot **consume** (`kâlâh`) them all at once [[Deuteronomy 7:22]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back, recover): This term can be the result of an act of `nâshal`. The king of Syria **recovered** (`shûwb`) the city of Elath by an act of force, when he **drave** (`nâshal`) its inhabitants out [[2 Kings 16:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5394}}` is seen in its application to divine action, human responsibility, and natural consequences.
* **Divine Dispossession:** The word is central to the conquest narrative, where God actively **casts out** nations to fulfill His covenant promise to Israel ([[Deuteronomy 7:1]], [[Deuteronomy 7:22]]). This is not a random event but a deliberate, sovereign removal.
* **Required Reverence:** The command to **put off** (`nâshal`) shoes before God signifies a necessary separation from the common or profane to enter a state of holiness. It is an external act representing an internal posture of humility ([[Exodus 3:5]], [[Joshua 5:15]]).
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** As part of the covenant curses, the olive tree that **casts** (`nâshal`) its fruit illustrates a loss of blessing and productivity resulting from turning away from God's commands [[Deuteronomy 28:40]].
* **Accidental vs. Intentional Action:** In a legal context, the word establishes a key distinction. The axe head that **slippeth** (`nâshal`) defines an action without intent, which has different legal ramifications than a deliberate act [[Deuteronomy 19:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5394}}` is a versatile word that conveys the idea of removal in various forms. It encompasses the sovereign ejection of nations by God, the humble removal of shoes in an act of worship, the violent expulsion of a people, and the accidental slipping of a tool. From the divine battlefield to the courtroom and the olive grove, `nâshal` illustrates how a single action of "plucking off" can carry profound implications for conquest, worship, justice, and judgment.
TRV