The Hebrew word çâchâh, represented by H5500, is a primitive root meaning to sweep away; scrape. It is a rare term, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular use provides a stark and powerful image of complete and utter desolation carried out as a divine judgment.
The sole appearance of H5500 is found in the prophecy against Tyrus. The LORD declares that after the city's walls are destroyed and its towers are broken down, "I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock" Ezekiel 26:4. This action signifies the final stage of destruction, a thorough cleansing that removes every last remnant of the city, leaving behind nothing but a barren, exposed foundation. It illustrates an absolute and irreversible judgment.
Several related words found in its immediate context help clarify the severity of this action:
- H7843 shâchath (to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively); batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r)): This verb is used directly alongside H5500 to describe how the walls of Tyrus will be destroyed Ezekiel 26:4. It often denotes a ruinous act of God, as seen in the destruction of all flesh during the flood Genesis 6:17.
- H2040 hâraç (a primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy): This word describes the breaking down of Tyrus's towers Ezekiel 26:4. It is frequently used for the demolition of physical structures, such as when walls are thrown down Jeremiah 50:15 or when foundations are destroyed Psalms 11:3.
- H5414 nâthan (a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)): In this context, God uses this verb to make Tyrus like a bare rock Ezekiel 26:4, signifying a transformation into desolation. This contrasts with its more frequent use for acts of divine provision, such as when God promises to give a new heart Ezekiel 36:26.
The theological weight of H5500 is centered on the nature of divine judgment.
- Absolute Judgment: The act of scraping away dust conveys a judgment that is final and absolute. It is not merely a punishment or a defeat but a complete eradication, leaving no possibility of rebuilding from the original remains Ezekiel 26:4.
- Divine Sovereignty: The phrase "I will also scrape" firmly establishes this as a sovereign act of God. It demonstrates His ultimate power over nations and His capacity to execute judgment with meticulous and devastating thoroughness.
- A Picture of Utter Ruin: Paired with the destruction of walls H7843 and towers H2040, the scraping action completes the picture of total ruin. It serves as a powerful scriptural illustration of what it means for something to be completely and utterly removed by God's decree.
In summary, H5500 is a highly specific term whose single biblical instance delivers a profound message. While its basic meaning is to scrape or sweep away, its use in Ezekiel 26:4 elevates it to a symbol of complete and final divine judgment. It demonstrates that God's power is not limited to defeating His enemies but extends to wiping away their very dust, transforming a proud city into nothing more than bare, desolate rock.
TRV