### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâshên**, represented by `{{H6226}}`, is an adjective meaning **smoky** or **smoking**. It is derived from the verb עָשַׁן and appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Despite its infrequent use, it provides powerful imagery in contexts of divine presence and prophetic judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H6226}}` occur in significant moments of biblical history. In Exodus, it describes the scene at Mount Sinai where God gives the Ten Commandments, noting that "the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain **smoking**" [[Exodus 20:18]]. In Isaiah, the word is used metaphorically. God tells the prophet to reassure King Ahaz not to fear his enemies, calling them "the two tails of these **smoking** firebrands" [[Isaiah 7:4]], diminishing them as threats that are already burning out.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context to the imagery of fire and divine communication:
* `{{H181}}` **ʼûwd** (a poker (for turning or gathering embers); (fire-) brand): This noun appears alongside `{{H6226}}` in Isaiah's prophecy, referring to the nearly extinguished kings as "smoking fire**brands**" [[Isaiah 7:4]]. It is also used to describe those rescued from judgment, as "a **brand** plucked out of the fire" [[Zechariah 3:2]].
* `{{H3940}}` **lappîyd** (a flambeau, lamp or flame; (fire-) brand, (burning) lamp, lightning, torch): This word for lightning or torch is seen alongside the smoking mountain at Sinai [[Exodus 20:18]]. It is also used to describe God's salvation going forth like a burning **lamp** [[Isaiah 62:1]] and the appearance of divine beings with eyes like **lamps** of fire [[Daniel 10:6]].
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): This word for sound is used for the "thunderings" and "noise" of the trumpet that accompanied the **smoking** mountain in [[Exodus 20:18]]. It frequently refers to the **voice** of the LORD, which requires obedience [[Deuteronomy 28:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6226}}` is demonstrated in its two distinct applications:
* **The Awesome Presence of God:** At Sinai, the **smoking** mountain is a key element of the theophany, a terrifying and awe-inspiring manifestation of God's holy power. The sight caused the people to stand "afar off," underscoring the unapproachability of the divine [[Exodus 20:18]].
* **The Impotence of God's Enemies:** In Isaiah, the image of a **smoking** firebrand is used to convey weakness, not strength. It is a symbol of a threat that is almost extinguished and no longer poses a real danger, revealing God's perspective on earthly powers [[Isaiah 7:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6226}}` is a descriptive term that, while rare, carries significant meaning. It vividly portrays both the magnificent, fearsome presence of God in revelation and the fleeting, diminished power of those who stand in opposition to His will. The word **smoking** serves as a powerful visual anchor for two opposite concepts: the awesome might of God and the near-extinguished state of his enemies.
TRV