### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5400 (נָשַׂק, nâsaq), in the specific semantic range addressed by this study, carries the core meaning of "to catch fire," "to burn," or "to kindle." This definition distinguishes it from a homographic root H5400 which means "to kiss." In its pyrotechnic sense, nâsaq denotes the initiation of fire, the moment when something becomes aflame. It implies a sudden or forceful inception of burning, focusing on the act of ignition rather than the sustained process of combustion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Hebrew Bible, the root H5400 (נָשַׂק, nâsaq) with the meaning "to kindle" or "to burn" is a hapax legomenon, appearing only once. This sole occurrence is found in:
* **[[Psalm 78:21]]**: "Therefore the LORD heard, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel."
* In this verse, nâsaq appears in the Niphal perfect form, "נִשְּׂקָה" (niśśəqāh), meaning "was kindled." The context of Psalm 78 is a historical recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel despite their repeated rebellion and lack of trust during their wilderness wanderings.
* The "fire" (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`) that "was kindled against Jacob" is a direct manifestation of the LORD's wrath (חָרוֹן, `{{H2740}}`) and indignation (אַף, `{{H639}}`) against His disobedient people. It is not a natural occurrence but a divinely initiated judgment. The passive voice (Niphal) emphasizes that this kindling was an action performed by God or allowed by Him as a consequence of their sin.
* The parallelism with "and anger also came up against Israel" reinforces the metaphorical nature of the fire as divine judgment and displeasure. It signifies a consuming, punitive response to their unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H5400 (nâsaq) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to fire and divine judgment:
* **Words for Fire/Burning:**
* אֵשׁ (esh, `{{H784}}`): The general noun for "fire."
* בָּעַר (ba'ar, `{{H1197}}`): A common verb meaning "to burn," "to consume," or "to kindle."
* יָקַד (yaqad, `{{H3344}}`): To burn, be kindled, or glow. Semantically close to nâsaq in its "kindling" aspect.
* לָהַט (lahat, `{{H3857}}`): To burn, blaze, or be inflamed.
* **Words for Divine Wrath/Anger (often associated with fire):**
* חָרוֹן (charon, `{{H2740}}`): Burning anger, fierce wrath, frequently used in connection with אף (`{{H639}}`, nose/anger).
* קֶצֶף (qetsef, `{{H7110}}`): Wrath, indignation, often implying a breaking forth or eruption.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* Divine Judgment: The kindling of fire as a tangible or metaphorical expression of God's righteous anger against sin and rebellion.
* Consuming Holiness: God's nature as a "consuming fire" ([[Deuteronomy 4:24]]; [[Hebrews 12:29]]), where His holiness cannot tolerate sin and must act to purify or judge.
* Divine Retribution: The swift and decisive action of God in response to human disobedience, often depicted with fiery imagery.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of H5400 (nâsaq) in [[Psalm 78:21]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a potent descriptor of divine judgment. The "kindling" of fire against Jacob underscores the immediate and active nature of God's wrath when His covenant people defy Him. It is not a slow burn but an ignition, suggesting a swift and decisive response to their persistent unbelief and provocation, as detailed throughout Psalm 78.
The Niphal stem ("was kindled") highlights that this fire is not accidental or self-generated by human actions, but divinely empowered and directed. It is God who "kindles" or allows the kindling of this judgmental fire. This imagery aligns with other biblical portrayals of God's presence and judgment, such as the fire on Mount Sinai, the pillar of fire, or fire consuming sacrifices (or the wicked). It reinforces the biblical truth that God is holy and righteous, and His patience, while vast, has limits. When His people stray from His covenant, His just nature demands a response, which can manifest as consuming judgment. The "kindled fire" thus becomes a powerful symbol of God's unyielding commitment to His own holiness and His covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5400 (נָשַׂק, nâsaq), in its specific meaning of "to catch fire" or "to kindle," is a rare but significant term in the Old Testament, appearing uniquely in [[Psalm 78:21]]. Here, it describes a "fire... kindled against Jacob," serving as a vivid metaphor for the LORD's righteous wrath and judgment. The use of the Niphal stem emphasizes the divine initiation of this consuming fire, which erupts in response to Israel's persistent unbelief and rebellion against God's faithfulness. This singular usage powerfully conveys the immediate and decisive nature of divine retribution, linking the act of "kindling" to the manifestation of God's holy anger and His very character as a "consuming fire." It underscores the gravity of covenant disobedience and the inevitable consequences that arise from disregarding divine truth and grace.
TRV