### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **parʻâh**, represented by `{{H6546}}`, is a term linked to concepts of **leadership** and **revenge**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, making each occurrence significant. Derived as the feminine of `{{H6544}}` **pâraʻ** and used in the sense of a beginning, it carries a meaning of **avenging** or, in the plural, leaders.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6546}}` is presented in two distinct contexts of divine action and human response. In the Song of Deborah, the term is used to call for praise to the LORD `{{H3068}}` for the **avenging** of Israel `{{H3478}}`, which occurred when the people `{{H5971}}` willingly offered `{{H5068}}` themselves [[Judges 5:2]]. In Deuteronomy, the word appears in a prophecy of God’s judgment, where He declares His sword `{{H2719}}` will devour `{{H398}}` flesh `{{H1320}}` "from the beginning `{{H7218}}` of **revenges** upon the enemy `{{H341}}`" [[Deuteronomy 32:42]]. Both instances connect the concept to acts of decisive, consequential action.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of the context surrounding **parʻâh**:
* `{{H6544}}` **pâraʻ** (avenge, refuse): As the primitive root, this word’s meanings include to **avenge**, **perish**, or **refuse**. It appears in contexts where people **perish** for lack of vision [[Proverbs 29:18]] and a high priest must not **uncover** his head [[Leviticus 21:10]].
* `{{H341}}` **ʼôyêb** (enemy): This term for an adversary is the explicit target of the **revenges** described in [[Deuteronomy 32:42]]. God promises to cause Israel's **enemies** to be smitten before them [[Deuteronomy 28:7]].
* `{{H5068}}` **nâdab** (willingly offered): This word highlights the human action associated with divine deliverance. The **avenging** of Israel is directly linked to when the people **willingly offered** themselves [[Judges 5:2]]. This action of free will is also seen in offerings for the tabernacle [[Exodus 35:21]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This word for a cutting instrument is one of God's tools of judgment. In the context of **revenges**, God's **sword** shall devour flesh [[Deuteronomy 32:42]], and it is also prophesied to be beaten into plowshares in an age of peace [[Isaiah 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6546}}` is concentrated in a few key areas:
* **Divine Judgment:** The term is used to describe God's direct execution of judgment. In [[Deuteronomy 32:42]], the **revenges** are an expression of God's power over His enemies, where His arrows `{{H2671}}` are made drunk `{{H7937}}` with blood `{{H1818}}` and His sword `{{H2719}}` devours `{{H398}}` flesh `{{H1320}}`.
* **Responsive Praise:** The act of **avenging** is shown to be a catalyst for worship. In [[Judges 5:2]], the deliverance of Israel `{{H3478}}` through **avenging** is the reason the people are called to praise `{{H1288}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
* **Leadership and Consecrated Action:** The concept is tied to the action of God's people. The **avenging** in [[Judges 5:2]] is explicitly linked to when the people `{{H5971}}` **willingly offered** `{{H5068}}` themselves, connecting leadership and willing participation to divine victory.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6546}}` **parʻâh** is a potent, though rare, term encapsulating concepts of **leadership** and **revenge**. Its two appearances in Scripture frame it as both a divine act of judgment against an enemy `{{H341}}` [[Deuteronomy 32:42]] and a deliverance for Israel `{{H3478}}` that prompts praise `{{H1288}}` [[Judges 5:2]]. The word illustrates a theological principle where divine retribution is linked to the consecrated, willing actions of God's people, marking a decisive beginning of consequences.
TRV