The Hebrew word ʻallîyz, represented by H5947, describes something as exultant or joyous. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This term is often used to characterize a state of triumphant or boisterous celebration, frequently associated with a city or a specific group of people.
In the biblical narrative, H5947 is most often used to describe cities, but this joy is frequently depicted as a precursor to judgment. For example, Isaiah refers to a "joyous H5947 city H7151" that is tumultuous and full of stirs, yet its people die outside of battle Isaiah 22:2. Similarly, Zephaniah describes Nineveh as "the rejoicing H5947 city H5892 that dwelt carelessly H983," whose pride leads to its ultimate desolation Zephaniah 2:15. The term also applies to people, such as when God promises to remove from Jerusalem "them that rejoice H5947 in thy pride H1346" Zephaniah 3:11, linking this exultation with sinful haughtiness. In a contrasting positive sense, God's own "mighty ones" H1368 are called "them that rejoice H5947 in my highness H1346" Isaiah 13:3.
Several related words help frame the context of this exultant state:
- H1346 gaʼăvâh (pride, highness, excellency): This word is directly tied to the source of the rejoicing. It can be negative, as in those who rejoice in their own pride Zephaniah 3:11, or positive, as in those who rejoice in God's highness Isaiah 13:3.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This is the most common subject described as joyous or rejoicing. The "rejoicing H5947 city H5892" often represents a powerful, yet complacent, human settlement destined for judgment Zephaniah 2:15. A similar word, H7151 qiryâh, is also used for "city" in this context Isaiah 22:2.
- H4885 mâsôws (joy, mirth): This term appears alongside H5947 to emphasize the atmosphere of celebration. In a prophecy of judgment, desolation comes upon "the houses of joy H4885 in the joyous H5947 city" Isaiah 32:13.
- H7588 shâʼôwn (noise, tumult): The noise of rejoicing is a key theme. The end of judgment is marked when "the noise H7588 of them that rejoice H5947 endeth" Isaiah 24:8, showing that the boisterous celebrations have ceased.
The theological weight of H5947 centers on the nature and object of joy.
- The Peril of Complacent Joy: The term is often a warning against prideful self-sufficiency. The "rejoicing H5947 city" that dwells "carelessly" H983 and boasts in its own greatness is set up for a fall, becoming a "desolation" H8047 Zephaniah 2:15.
- The Transience of Worldly Mirth: Scripture shows that joy rooted in earthly things is fleeting. The prophecy in Isaiah 24:8 that the "noise of them that rejoice H5947 endeth" demonstrates that human-centered celebration will ultimately cease in the face of divine judgment.
- Righteous vs. Prideful Exultation: A critical distinction is made based on the focus of the joy. God removes those who rejoice in their own pride Zephaniah 3:11, but He calls upon His mighty ones who exult in His majesty Isaiah 13:3. This highlights that true, lasting joy is found in God, not in self.
In summary, H5947 ʻallîyz is a potent word that signifies more than simple happiness. It typically depicts a loud, exultant joy that, when rooted in human pride and complacency, becomes a target of divine judgment. The word serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the contrast between the fleeting, dangerous joy of the arrogant and the righteous exultation found in the majesty of God.
TRV