The Hebrew word ʻăbârâh, represented by H5679, denotes a crossing-place. It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses, highlighting its specific application in contexts of transit and location. Based on its usage, the term can refer to a ferry used for transport or a plain that serves as a passageway or ford.
The word H5679 is used in two specific ways within the narrative of 2 Samuel. It describes a geographical location, as when David is advised not to stay in the plains of the wilderness but to pass over quickly 2 Samuel 17:16. Similarly, it is the location where Hushai says he will wait for word from David 2 Samuel 15:28. The term is also used to identify a mode of transport, specifically "a ferry boat" which was used to carry King David's household across the Jordan 2 Samuel 19:18.
The meaning of H5679 is rooted in the action of crossing, as shown by several related words:
- H5674 ʻâbar (to cross over): This is the primitive root from which H5679 is derived. It signifies any kind of transition, from physically passing through waters Isaiah 43:2 to God metaphorically passing by transgressions Micah 7:18. It is used alongside H5679 when the ferry boat "went over" 2 Samuel 19:18.
- H6213 ʻâsâh (to do or make): This verb appears in the context of the ferry boat, which was used to do what the king thought good 2 Samuel 19:18. It speaks to action and accomplishment, from God making the heavens Jeremiah 32:17 to man being required to do justly Micah 6:8.
- H7971 shâlach (to send away, for, or out): This word is used to command a message be sent concerning the plains H5679, urging David's crossing 2 Samuel 17:16. The word is often used for divine commissioning, as when God sent His word to heal Psalms 107:20 or put forth His hand to empower a prophet Jeremiah 1:9.
- H935 bôwʼ (to go or come): This verb describes the action of a message that will come to the plain H5679 where someone is waiting 2 Samuel 15:28. It can describe a physical arrival, like light come to Zion Isaiah 60:1, or a promised event that will surely come Habakkuk 2:3.
While H5679 is used in specific historical contexts, its root concept of "crossing over" carries significant theological weight, illustrated by its related verb H5674 ʻâbar.
- Passage as Deliverance: The act of crossing is frequently linked to salvation and refuge. The ferry boat H5679 facilitates the safe passage of the king's household 2 Samuel 19:18. This echoes the promise that God's people will pass through the waters unharmed Isaiah 43:2 and find refuge until calamities are overpast Psalms 57:1.
- Divine Pardon: The idea of "passing over" is applied to God's mercy. God passeth by transgression, which is a mark of His unique power to pardon iniquity Micah 7:18. This act of crossing over sin is a foundation of His gracious character.
- Crossing Boundaries: The verb to cross, ʻâbar H5674, is used to establish spiritual boundaries. For instance, the unclean are forbidden to pass over the "way of holiness" Isaiah 35:8, signifying a separation between the sacred and profane.
In summary, H5679 is more than just a word for a ferry or a plain. It is a term deeply connected to the foundational biblical concept of transition. Through its literal uses and its strong connection to the root verb ʻâbar H5674, it defines physical passage, divine deliverance, and the merciful act of God passing over transgression. It illustrates how a simple term for a crossing-place can point to the profound ways God moves His people from danger to safety and from judgment to grace.
TRV