The Hebrew word çôk, represented by H5520, describes a hut, lair, or covert. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses. Derived from a root suggesting entwined boughs, its meaning ranges from a temporary shelter or pavilion to the den of a predatory animal, highlighting its dual use for both refuge and ambush.
In scripture, H5520 is used to illustrate two contrasting ideas: divine refuge and predatory danger. It is described as God's pavilion where He hides the faithful in times of trouble Psalms 27:5. It is also used for His tabernacle in Salem, establishing it as His dwelling place Psalms 76:2. Conversely, the word depicts a lion's den or covert, a place of secret ambush from which the wicked prey on the poor Psalms 10:9 or from which a lion emerges, leaving desolation in its wake Jeremiah 25:38.
Several related words clarify the concepts of shelter and concealment associated with H5520:
- H168 ʼôhel (a tent): Often translated as tabernacle, this word signifies a conspicuous dwelling or covering. It is used alongside H5520 to emphasize the security of God's dwelling place Psalms 27:5.
- H4585 mᵉʻôwnâh (den, habitation, dwelling place): This term for an abode can apply to God, men, or animals. It appears with H5520 to describe God's dwelling place in Zion Psalms 76:2.
- H5643 çêther (a cover, hiding place, secret place): This word denotes concealment and protection. It is paired with H5520 to form the idea of "the secret of his tabernacle," a place of divine hiding Psalms 27:5.
- H693 ʼârab (to lurk): This verb describes the action of lying in wait. It is used to characterize the wicked who use their "den" H5520 as a place from which to ambush the poor Psalms 10:9.
The theological weight of H5520 lies in its contrasting imagery of refuge and danger.
- A Place of Divine Hiding: The word is used for God's pavilion, a place of protection during times of trouble Psalms 27:5. It is His tabernacle in Salem, signifying His stable and secure presence with His people in Zion Psalms 76:2. In this context, it is a place where God hides and exalts the righteous upon a rock.
- A Symbol of Predatory Evil: As a den or covert, H5520 represents the hidden place from which the wicked operate. They lie in wait like a lion to catch the poor Psalms 10:9, illustrating malicious intent.
- An Instrument of Judgment: The lion's forsaken covert in Jeremiah connects the imagery of a predator to divine judgment. The land is made desolate by the fierceness of the oppressor and God's own fierce anger Jeremiah 25:38.
In summary, H5520 is a versatile term that uses the physical image of a hut or lair to convey profound spiritual realities. While it appears only four times, it powerfully contrasts the secure pavilion of God's presence with the dangerous den of a predator. It illustrates that a place of hiding can be either a source of divine protection for the righteous or a covert for the wicked's schemes and a symbol of devastating judgment.
TRV