The Hebrew word pᵉrâtsîym, represented by H6559, is the plural form of a word meaning "breaks." It appears just 1 time in the entire Bible and is used to name Perazim, a mountain in Palestine. Its singular use makes it a specific and potent reference within scripture.
The sole appearance of H6559 is in Isaiah 28:21, where the prophet invokes the location to describe a future act of God. The verse states that the LORD will "rise up as in mount Perazim" and "be wroth" to perform His "strange work" and "strange act." In this context, Perazim serves as a geographical and historical symbol of God's direct and powerful intervention against opposition.
The significance of the action at Perazim is illuminated by other words used in the same verse:
- H6965 qûwm (to rise): This root word describes the LORD's action at Perazim. It signifies a decisive rising, as when God's counsel is established and "shall stand" Proverbs 19:21 or when He promises to "make it good" Numbers 23:19.
- H7264 râgaz (to be wroth, tremble): This term expresses the violent emotion associated with God's work at Perazim. It is used elsewhere to describe how the people "tremble" when the LORD reigns Psalms 99:1 and how God will "shake" the heavens in His wrath Isaiah 13:13.
- H5647 ʻâbad (to bring to pass): While often meaning to serve God Joshua 24:15, this word is used in the context of Perazim to mean that God will "bring to pass" His act. This highlights God's role as the one who executes His plans.
The theological weight of H6559 is concentrated in its single, powerful reference. It is not just a place name but a symbol of a specific kind of divine activity.
- Divine Precedent: The use of "as in mount Perazim" establishes a precedent for God's actions. It recalls a past event to assure of a future one where God will intervene decisively.
- Unconventional Action: The work God performs is described as "his strange work" and "his strange act" Isaiah 28:21. This connects the location of Perazim with divine actions that are unexpected, severe, or outside of normal patterns.
- Righteous Wrath: The event is marked by the LORD being "wroth" H7264, showing that Perazim represents a place where God's judgment and anger are unleashed in a focused and purposeful way.
In summary, H6559 pᵉrâtsîym, as Mount Perazim, functions as a significant biblical landmark for a specific type of divine intervention. Though mentioned only once, it encapsulates a profound theological concept: a moment when God rises up in wrath to perform a necessary, albeit "strange," work of judgment. It stands as a reminder that God's actions, while sometimes appearing unusual, are purposeful and founded in His sovereign power.
TRV