a primitive root; to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam); cast up, exalt (self), extol, make plain, raise up.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâlal**, represented by `{{H5549}}`, carries the core meaning **to mound up** or **cast up**. It appears 12 times in 10 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition, "a primitive root; to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam); cast up, exalt (self), extol, make plain, raise up," reveals a range of applications from literal construction to figurative honor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5549}}` is frequently used to command the preparation of a path. In Isaiah, the word is repeated for emphasis: "Cast ye up{H5549}, cast ye up{H5549}, prepare{H6437} the way{H1870}" [[Isaiah 57:14]] and "cast up{H5549}, cast up{H5549} the highway{H4546}" [[Isaiah 62:10]]. The word also signifies exalting or extolling, as in the call to worship found in [[Psalms 68:4]]: "**extol** him that rideth{H7392} upon the heavens." Conversely, it can describe arrogant self-exaltation, as when Pharaoh **exalts** himself against God's people [[Exodus 9:17]]. In a negative context, it is used to describe the mounding of a ruined city into "heaps{H6194}" [[Jeremiah 50:26]] or the raising up of destructive ways by an enemy [[Job 19:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{H5549}}`:
* `{{H4546}}` **mᵉçillâh** (a thoroughfare): As a direct derivative of `çâlal`, this word for highway appears alongside it, illustrating the direct result of "casting up" a path [[Isaiah 62:10]].
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road): This term for a way or course of life is often the object of the action of `çâlal`. A way can be "cast up" for God's people [[Isaiah 57:14]] or left "not cast up," causing stumbling [[Jeremiah 18:15]].
* `{{H7311}}` **rûwm** (to be high, exalt): This word is used in parallel with `çâlal` to describe the act of promoting or honoring, such as when exalting wisdom brings promotion [[Proverbs 4:8]].
* `{{H4383}}` **mikshôwl** (a stumbling-block): The purpose of "casting up" a way is often to remove obstacles. The command in [[Isaiah 57:14]] is to "cast ye up" the way and "take up{H7311} the stumblingblock{H4383}."
### Theological Significance
The theological concepts associated with `{{H5549}}` are significant and varied.
* **Preparing for God's Presence:** The repeated command to "cast up" a highway is a prophetic call for Israel to prepare spiritually for divine restoration and salvation, removing every obstacle that hinders relationship with God [[Isaiah 62:10]].
* **The Path of Righteousness:** The word contrasts the nature of different spiritual walks. The path of the slothful is difficult, but "the way{H734} of the righteous{H3477} is made plain{H5549}" [[Proverbs 15:19]], implying a path cleared and built up for easy travel.
* **The Act of Exaltation:** `Çâlal` defines who or what is to be lifted up. It is a command to **extol** God [[Psalms 68:4]] and **exalt** wisdom [[Proverbs 4:8]], but it is a sin for man to **exalt** himself against God or His people [[Exodus 9:17]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The action of "casting up" is also an image of judgment, where Babylon's great city is to be mounded up into heaps for total destruction [[Jeremiah 50:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5549}}` is a dynamic word that moves from the physical act of building a road to the spiritual act of worship and the moral state of one's life. It illustrates the principle that a clear path, whether for God's return or for a righteous life, must be intentionally built up. The word serves as a command to remove obstacles, exalt God, and choose a "cast up" way over one that leads to stumbling.
TRV