The Hebrew word ʼemesh, represented by H570, refers to a time past, specifically yesterday or last night. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, typically denoting an event that has just recently concluded, often with immediate consequences for the present moment. While its primary meaning is "yesterday" or "yesternight," it can also signify a more general "former time."
In its biblical usage, H570 often emphasizes the immediate relevance of the recent past. It is used to describe divine intervention, as when Laban is warned by God in a dream "yesternight" not to harm Jacob Genesis 31:29. Jacob later confirms this, stating that God had "rebuked thee yesternight" Genesis 31:42. The word also marks a past event that prompts a present judgment, as when the Lord declares he has "seen yesterday the blood of Naboth" before commanding Jehu to act 2 Kings 9:26. In a more personal context, Lot's daughter uses it to refer to the events of the previous night Genesis 19:34. Figuratively, it describes a past period of hardship, where the afflicted were "fleeing into the wilderness in former time" Job 30:3.
Several related words help define the temporal context of H570:
- H4283 mochŏrâth (the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow): This word for the "next day" serves as the direct temporal counterpart to ʼemesh. This is seen clearly in the narrative where Lot's daughter's actions of "yesternight" H570 are followed by a plan that takes place "on the morrow" H4283 Genesis 19:34.
- H3915 layil (a twist (away of the light), i.e. night): As the general term for "night," it is used alongside H570 to establish a clear timeline. Lot's firstborn daughter recounts what happened "yesternight" H570 and then proposes a new plan for "this night (layil) also" Genesis 19:34.
The narrative weight of H570 lies in its ability to connect past and present with immediacy.
- Immediate Consequence: The use of H570 underscores that past actions, whether divine or human, have direct and swift results. Laban's restraint is the direct result of God's warning "yesternight" Genesis 31:29, and judgment for Naboth's murder is enacted based on the events of "yesterday" 2 Kings 9:26.
- Divine Intervention: The word often appears at moments of critical divine timing. God's protective action on Jacob's behalf occurs precisely "yesternight" Genesis 31:42, intervening just before Laban can act on his anger.
- Human Scheming: In contrast to divine action, the word is also used to frame human plans that are based on recent events. The plot carried out by Lot's daughters is structured around the events of "yesternight" Genesis 19:34, linking one transgression to the next.
In summary, H570 is a specific temporal marker that emphasizes the profound and immediate impact of the recent past. It is used to frame divine protection and judgment, as well as human choices and their consequences. From the literal "last night" in a family drama to the "former time" of desolate suffering, ʼemesh consistently demonstrates that the events of yesterday are the foundation for the actions of today.
TRV