The Hebrew word tsâhal, represented by H6670, is a primitive root with a dynamic range of meaning. It appears 9 times in 9 unique verses. Its definition includes to gleam or be cheerful, but it is more broadly transferred to mean sounding clear, covering various animal and human expressions like to bellow, cry aloud, lift up, neigh, rejoice, make to shine, or shout.
In scripture, H6670 is used to describe a wide spectrum of audible expressions and visible states. It is often a command to express joy for God's deliverance, as in "Cry out H6670 and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion" Isaiah 12:6. This same sense of jubilant shouting is seen when the barren are told to "cry aloud H6670" in anticipation of the Lord's blessing Isaiah 54:1. The word can also describe a negative, animal-like sound, such as the sinful "neighing" of men after their neighbor's wife Jeremiah 5:8 or the "bellowing" of Israel's enemies who rejoice in its destruction Jeremiah 50:11. In a unique physical sense, it is used to describe how oil makes a face "to shine H6670" Psalms 104:15.
Several related words help define the biblical concept of rejoicing and shouting:
- H5937 ʻâlaz: This primitive root means to jump for joy or exult. It is used alongside H6670 to describe the gladness of Israel's destroyers, who "rejoiced H5937" and "bellowed H6670" Jeremiah 50:11.
- H7440 rinnâh: This word denotes a shrill sound or a shout of joy or grief. It is paired directly with H6670 in the call to "break forth into singing H7440, and cry aloud H6670" Isaiah 54:1.
- H7442 rânan: A primitive root meaning to creak or shout, usually for joy. It is frequently used with H6670 in calls to worship, such as the command to "Cry out H6670 and shout H7442" to the inhabitant of Zion Isaiah 12:6.
- H8055 sâmach: Meaning to brighten up or be blithe, this root for gladness appears in Jeremiah 50:11, where Israel's enemies "were glad H8055" as they bellowed.
- H8056 sâmêach: This word for being blithe or joyful is used to describe the reaction of the city of Shushan, which "rejoiced H6670 and was glad H8056" after Mordecai's elevation Esther 8:15.
The use of H6670 carries significant thematic weight, often highlighting the appropriate and inappropriate sources of loud expression.
- Righteous Shouts of Deliverance: The word is frequently a command for God's people to cry out in response to His salvation and presence. It is the proper reaction to the greatness of the "Holy One of Israel" Isaiah 12:6 and the fulfillment of His promises (Isaiah 54:1, Jeremiah 31:7).
- Wicked Cries of Triumph or Lust: The term is also used to characterize the sounds of sin. The destroyers of God's heritage "bellow H6670 as bulls" Jeremiah 50:11, and adulterous men "neighed H6670" like horses Jeremiah 5:8, linking the sound to unchecked arrogance and lust.
- Physical Sign of Blessing: The unique usage in Psalms 104:15 connects the figurative idea of cheerfulness to a literal, physical shining. Here, gladness is not just an internal feeling or an audible sound, but a visible gleam of well-being provided by God.
In summary, H6670 is a potent word that captures a range of intense expressions, from sound to sight. It demonstrates that a cry or shout is not neutral; its meaning is defined by its source and motivation. It can be a holy shout of praise for God's redemptive work Isaiah 12:6, a physical manifestation of blessing Psalms 104:15, or a base, animalistic cry rooted in sin and destruction (Jeremiah 5:8, Jeremiah 50:11). This single term thus illustrates the profound difference between joy that comes from God and the noise of a fallen world.
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