### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâtham**, represented by `{{H6272}}`, is a primitive root defined as probably to glow, or figuratively, to be desolated or **darkened**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 times** in **1 unique verses** in the Bible, but its single use paints a powerful picture of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6272}}` is in the context of God's judgment upon a disobedient people. In [[Isaiah 9:19]], the prophet declares that through the **wrath** `{{H5678}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` of **hosts** `{{H6635}}`, the **land** `{{H776}}` is **darkened** `{{H6272}}`. This darkening is not merely a physical event but a sign of utter desolation, as the verse continues to describe the **people** `{{H5971}}` becoming like **fuel** `{{H3980}}` for the **fire** `{{H784}}`, resulting in a complete societal breakdown where no **man** `{{H376}}` will **spare** `{{H2550}}` his **brother** `{{H251}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Isaiah 9:19]] illuminate the severe nature of this "darkening":
* `{{H5678}}` **ʻebrâh** (wrath): Defined as an outburst of passion, anger, rage, or wrath. This is the direct cause of the land being darkened. The "day of the LORD'S **wrath**" is a time when earthly riches cannot deliver [[Zephaniah 1:18]].
* `{{H3980}}` **maʼăkôleth** (fuel): This term means something eaten by fire, or fuel. It illustrates the consequence for the people in the darkened land, showing they will be consumed by the judgment [[Isaiah 9:19]]. It is also used in a parallel passage describing battle being concluded with burning and **fuel** of fire [[Isaiah 9:5]].
* `{{H2550}}` **châmal** (spare): Meaning to commiserate, have compassion, pity, or spare. The absence of this action is a key feature of the desolation, as "no man shall **spare** his brother" [[Isaiah 9:19]]. This contrasts with God's promise to **pity** His people when they turn to Him [[Joel 2:18]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This word for fire is the instrument of judgment that consumes the people as fuel. God's word is described as being like a **fire** [[Jeremiah 23:29]], and He is revealed as a consuming **fire** against His enemies [[Deuteronomy 9:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6272}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
* **Judgment as Desolation:** The word "darkened" is used figuratively to signify a state of complete desolation brought about by divine judgment. It is a direct result of the **wrath** `{{H5678}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` of **hosts** `{{H6635}}` [[Isaiah 9:19]].
* **Consequence of Sin:** The darkening of the **land** `{{H776}}` is tied to the moral and social collapse of its inhabitants. The people turn on one another, with brother not sparing **brother** `{{H251}}`, showing that sin leads to the destruction of both the environment and human relationships.
* **The Consuming Nature of Wrath:** The imagery connects the darkened land to the people becoming **fuel** `{{H3980}}` for the **fire** `{{H784}}`. This illustrates that God's judgment is not a passive state but an active, consuming force that purges the land of its wickedness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6272}}` is a stark and potent term for desolation. Though appearing just once, it vividly captures the profound consequences of divine wrath. The word **ʻâtham** links the judgment of God directly to the "darkening" of the land and the complete unraveling of its society, where people are consumed like fuel and compassion is extinguished. It serves as a powerful reminder of the severity of God's response to unrepentant sin as described in [[Isaiah 9:19]].
TRV