feminine passive participle of עָזַב; desertion (of inhabitants); forsaking.
Transliteration:ʻăzûwbâh
Pronunciation:az-oo-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻăzûwbâh (`{{H5805}}`) is a feminine passive participle derived from the verbal root ʻāzav (`{{H5800}}`). The root ʻāzav fundamentally means "to leave, forsake, abandon, let go." As a passive participle, ʻăzûwbâh therefore denotes "that which has been forsaken," "that which is abandoned," or "a forsaken place." Its primary semantic range encompasses "desertion (of inhabitants)" and "forsaking," implying a state of desolation, neglect, or being left uninhabited. This term carries the strong implication of a prior presence or occupation that has since departed, resulting in emptiness or ruin. It is more than mere emptiness; it signifies a state of being left behind or given up.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻăzûwbâh (`{{H5805}}`) appears a handful of times in the prophetic books, consistently conveying a sense of desolation and abandonment:
* **[[Isaiah 6:12]]**: "And the LORD remove men far away, and the forsaken places (הָעֲזוּבָה) be many in the midst of the land." Here, ʻăzûwbâh describes the numerous desolate areas that will result from divine judgment and the exile of the population, emphasizing widespread emptiness.
* **[[Isaiah 17:9]]**: "In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough (הָעֲזוּבָה) and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation." This verse likens once-strong cities to a broken, abandoned branch, illustrating their utter ruin and desertion, particularly in the context of judgment against Damascus and Israel.
* **[[Isaiah 32:14]]**: "Because the palaces shall be forsaken (נָטְשָׁה), the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks." While the primary verb here is nāṭash (`{{H5203}}`, to abandon), the context vividly portrays the state of ʻăzûwbâh – palaces and cities abandoned and left to become wilderness, inhabited by wild animals.
* **[[Isaiah 62:4]]**: "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken (עֲזוּבָה); neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate (שְׁמָמָה): but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married." This is arguably the most significant occurrence. Here, ʻăzûwbâh is personified as a name for Jerusalem or Judah, signifying its past state of abandonment by God and its inhabitants. It is powerfully contrasted with shĕmāmâh (`{{H8077}}`, desolation) and replaced by names that signify divine delight and restoration.
* **[[Jeremiah 4:29]]**: "The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken (עֲזוּבָה), and not a man dwell therein." This passage describes the complete abandonment of cities due to terror and invasion, leading to absolute desolation.
Across these contexts, ʻăzûwbâh consistently points to the consequence of abandonment, often resulting in widespread desolation, whether due to divine judgment, war, or the departure of inhabitants.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ʻăzûwbâh (`{{H5805}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **ʻāzav (`{{H5800}}`):** The verbal root from which ʻăzûwbâh is derived. This verb means "to leave, forsake, abandon," and its various forms are used to describe God forsaking His people, people forsaking God, or the abandonment of places or objects. The passive participle ʻăzûwbâh describes the *state* resulting from this action.
* **shĕmāmâh (`{{H8077}}`):** "Desolation, waste, horror." This term frequently appears in parallel with ʻăzûwbâh, particularly in prophetic texts (e.g., [[Isaiah 62:4]]). While ʻăzûwbâh emphasizes the *act* or *state* of being abandoned (implying a prior presence), shĕmāmâh describes the *resultant condition* of utter desolation and emptiness. They are closely related in conveying ruin but have distinct nuances.
* **ḥorbâh (`{{H2723}}`):** "Ruins, waste places." Another term for devastated areas, often cities reduced to rubble.
* **nāṭash (`{{H5203}}`):** "To abandon, forsake, let go." This verb is sometimes used synonymously or in parallel with ʻāzav and ʻăzûwbâh, as seen in [[Isaiah 32:14]].
* **yāsham (`{{H3456}}`):** "To be desolate, be appalled." This is the verbal root of shĕmāmâh, further linking the concepts of abandonment and desolation.
Thematically, ʻăzûwbâh connects to the broader biblical concepts of divine judgment, the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, and the promise of restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻăzûwbâh (`{{H5805}}`) is profound, moving from a descriptor of judgment to a symbol of divine redemption:
* **Consequence of Sin and Disobedience:** Primarily, ʻăzûwbâh serves as a stark depiction of the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and disobedience to the covenant. The desolation of the land and cities is presented as a direct result of God's judgment, where He "abandons" His people to the natural and punitive outcomes of their sin. This underscores the gravity of covenant breaking and the holiness of God who does not tolerate sustained rebellion.
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The prophetic use of ʻăzûwbâh highlights God's active role in history and His sovereignty over nations. He is not a passive observer but one who brings about judgment and desolation when His people or other nations persist in wickedness, demonstrating His justice and power.
* **Hope and Restoration:** The most poignant theological weight of ʻăzûwbâh is found in [[Isaiah 62:4]]. Here, the term transcends its initial negative connotation to become a powerful foil for God's redemptive promise. The declaration, "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken (ʻăzûwbâh); neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate," signifies a radical reversal of fortune. It speaks to God's enduring faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even after their unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment. God reclaims that which was abandoned, transforming it into "Hephzibah" (My Delight is in Her) and "Beulah" (Married). This transformation symbolizes a renewed, intimate relationship between God and His people, marked by His delight, presence, and fruitfulness, replacing the former state of abandonment and barrenness.
* **God's Presence vs. Absence:** Implicit in the term ʻăzûwbâh is the theological contrast between God's protective, blessing presence and His withdrawn favor. A land or city termed ʻăzûwbâh is one from which God's blessing has departed, leading to vulnerability and ruin. The reversal in Isaiah 62:4 signifies the glorious return of His presence, favor, and redemptive power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻăzûwbâh (`{{H5805}}`), derived from ʻāzav (`{{H5800}}`), describes a state of being "forsaken" or "abandoned," particularly in reference to lands and cities left desolate by the departure of inhabitants. Its occurrences in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah consistently depict the ruin and emptiness resulting from divine judgment or conflict, often paralleled with terms like shĕmāmâh (`{{H8077}}`, desolation). Theologically, ʻăzûwbâh serves as a potent symbol of the consequences of sin and God's righteous judgment upon a disobedient people. However, its most profound theological significance is revealed in [[Isaiah 62:4]], where God dramatically declares that His people, once designated "Forsaken," will be renamed "My Delight is in Her" and "Married." This pivotal passage transforms ʻăzûwbâh from a descriptor of judgment into a powerful backdrop for God's ultimate promise of restoration, covenant renewal, and intimate relationship, showcasing His sovereign power to reclaim and revitalize what was once lost.
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