### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çᵉneh**, represented by `{{H5572}}`, refers to a **bramble** or **bush**. It appears **6 times** across **4 unique verses**, making its every appearance significant. This term is primarily known for its central role in one of the most pivotal moments in the Old Testament: the calling of Moses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary context for `{{H5572}}` is the divine encounter of Moses at Mount Horeb. It is the object of a miraculous event where the **angel** `{{H4397}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` appeared to Moses in a **flame** `{{H3827}}` of **fire** `{{H784}}` from the **midst** `{{H8432}}` of the **bush** [[Exodus 3:2]]. Despite being engulfed in flames, the **bush** was not **consumed** `{{H398}}`, prompting Moses to **turn aside** `{{H5493}}` to **see** `{{H7200}}` this **great** `{{H1419}}` **sight** `{{H4758}}` [[Exodus 3:3]]. It is from this unburnt **bush** that **God** `{{H430}}` then **called** `{{H7121}}` to **Moses** `{{H4872}}` [[Exodus 3:4]]. The event is later recalled in a blessing for **Joseph** `{{H3130}}`, invoking the "good will of him that **dwelt** `{{H7931}}` in the **bush**" [[Deuteronomy 33:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative surrounding the **bush**:
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire (literally or figuratively)): This word describes the element that enveloped the **bush** `{{H5572}}` yet did not destroy it, highlighting the supernatural nature of the event [[Exodus 3:2]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating)): This verb is used to describe how the **bush** **burned** `{{H1197}}` with fire, setting up the paradox that it was not consumed [[Exodus 3:2]].
* `{{H4397}}` **mălʼâk** (a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel): This term identifies the divine being who first **appeared** `{{H7200}}` to Moses from within the **bush**, initiating the divine communication [[Exodus 3:2]].
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see, literally or figuratively): This word is central to the passage, as Moses first **looked** `{{H7200}}` at the phenomenon, then **turned aside** `{{H5493}}` to **see** `{{H7200}}` it more closely, and it was when the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **saw** `{{H7200}}` Moses's attention that He spoke [[Exodus 3:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5572}}` is concentrated in its single, profound narrative appearance.
* **A Sign of Divine Presence:** The **bush** that **burned** `{{H1197}}` but was not **consumed** `{{H398}}` served as a powerful sign to capture the attention of **Moses** `{{H4872}}`. It demonstrated a reality where God's consuming **fire** `{{H784}}` and His preserving presence could coexist [[Exodus 3:2]].
* **The Locus of a Divine Call:** The **bush** was not merely a spectacle but the specific location from which the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` chose to speak. It became a temporary sanctuary, the place where **God** `{{H430}}` **called** `{{H7121}}` to Moses and revealed His purpose [[Exodus 3:4]].
* **An Enduring Symbol of God's Favor:** The event left such a lasting impression that centuries later, a blessing upon the tribe of **Joseph** `{{H3130}}` specifically invokes the "good will of him that **dwelt** `{{H7931}}` in the **bush**" [[Deuteronomy 33:16]]. This links God's favor and blessing directly back to this foundational moment of revelation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5572}}` **çᵉneh** is a term whose significance far outweighs its infrequent use. It represents an ordinary object, a mere **bramble**, chosen as the site for an extraordinary divine manifestation. The story of the burning **bush** transforms this simple word into a powerful symbol of God's miraculous presence, His call to leadership, and His enduring favor, demonstrating how the sacred can intersect with the mundane to alter the course of history.
TRV