The Hebrew word çâʻar, represented by H5590, is a primitive root used to describe rushing upon or being tossed. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses. Its meaning can be literal, as in a storm, or figurative, referring to being troubled, tempestuous, or scattered as if by a whirlwind.
In Scripture, H5590 is used to illustrate both natural and divine power. In the book of Jonah, the sea is described as tempestuous, highlighting the physical chaos of the storm (Jonah 1:11, 1:13). Figuratively, it portrays intense emotional distress, as when the king of Syria's heart was sore troubled 2 Kings 6:11. The prophets use it to symbolize overwhelming force, whether it is enemies who "came out as a whirlwind to scatter" Habakkuk 3:14 or God's judgment, which "scattered them with a whirlwind" Zechariah 7:14 and leaves the unfaithful "driven with the whirlwind" like chaff Hosea 13:3. It also describes a state of deep suffering, as Israel is called "afflicted, tossed with tempest" Isaiah 54:11.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H5590 appears:
- H6041 ʻânîy (depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor): This word is directly paired with H5590 to describe the state of one who is "afflicted, tossed with tempest" Isaiah 54:11, showing the internal condition of being overwhelmed.
- H6327 pûwts (to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse); break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad): This word explains the purpose of the whirlwind in Habakkuk 3:14, where enemies come "as a whirlwind to scatter me."
- H8367 shâthaq (to subside; be calm, cease, be quiet): This term is used as the direct opposite of H5590 in the book of Jonah. The sailors ask what to do so the tempestuous sea might become calm Jonah 1:11.
- H8074 shâmêm (to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e. devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense); make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder): This describes the result of God's whirlwind action in Zechariah 7:14, where the land was left desolate.
The theological significance of H5590 is tied to its depiction of overwhelming and uncontrollable force.
- A Force of Judgment: The word is used to describe God's power to scatter nations with a whirlwind, a metaphor for swift and irresistible judgment upon disobedience Zechariah 7:14. It illustrates how the wicked are driven away with force Hosea 13:3.
- An Image of Deep Affliction: In Isaiah, being "tossed with tempest" is equated with a state of affliction where one is not comforted Isaiah 54:11. This highlights that trials can feel as chaotic and destabilizing as a violent storm.
- The Power of Creation: The literal use of H5590 in Jonah demonstrates God's sovereignty over nature. The tempestuous sea is a force that only He can make calm, showcasing His ultimate authority over chaos (Jonah 1:11, Jonah 1:13).
In summary, H5590 çâʻar conveys a powerful sense of violent, chaotic motion. While it can describe a literal storm on the sea or the inner turmoil of a human heart, its primary weight comes from its use as a metaphor for overwhelming forces. It vividly portrays the experience of being afflicted, the violent intent of enemies, and the unstoppable power of divine judgment that scatters and makes desolate.
TRV