The Hebrew word tsâbâh, represented by H6638, is a primitive root with a dual meaning related to amassing or growing turgid. It can refer to the physical act to swell or the military action to array an army to fight. This specific term appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses, making its every use significant.
In its biblical usage, H6638 illustrates two distinct forms of "swelling." The first is a physical affliction as part of a divine curse. In the law concerning a woman suspected of infidelity, the water of the curse is said to make her belly swell (Numbers 5:22, Numbers 5:27). The second usage is metaphorical and military. When a multitude of nations comes against Ariel, they are described as those that fight against her, implying the amassing or "swelling" of an army Isaiah 29:7.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H6638 is found:
- H6633 tsâbâʼ (to mass, fight): Sharing a root with H6638, this word is used in the same verse to describe the action of the nations that fight against Ariel Isaiah 29:7. It also refers to performing service at the tabernacle Numbers 4:23.
- H990 beṭen (belly, womb): This word is directly connected to the physical consequence described in the book of Numbers, as it is the belly that is made to swell as a sign of the curse Numbers 5:27.
- H423 ʼâlâh (curse): This term provides the reason for the swelling in Numbers. The woman's affliction is the physical manifestation of a curse from God, and she herself becomes a curse among her people Numbers 5:27.
The theological weight of H6638 is tied to the concept of divine judgment.
- Physical Manifestation of Judgment: In Numbers, the word illustrates that God's judgment can be made physically manifest upon a person. The swelling is not a natural illness but a direct, visible sign resulting from a divine curse for a specific sin Numbers 5:27.
- Hostility Against God's People: In Isaiah, the term is used to describe the "swelling" of hostile forces against Ariel. The multitude of nations that fight represents a significant threat, yet they are ultimately subject to God's sovereign power, who can render them as ineffective as a dream Isaiah 29:7.
In summary, H6638 is a rare but potent word that conveys the idea of "swelling" in two powerful ways. It describes both the physical swelling of the body as a direct result of a divine curse and the military swelling of an army gathered for conflict. In both instances, the word appears in a context of judgment, highlighting God's authority over the individual body and the nations.
TRV