The Hebrew word tsôhar, represented by H6672, primarily signifies noon or midday, the time of greatest light. It appears 24 times across 24 unique verses. Its definition also includes "a light" or window, highlighting its core connection to illumination. This term is used to mark a specific time of day for human activities and as a powerful symbol in prophetic and poetic contexts.
In biblical narratives, H6672 establishes a precise moment for significant events. It marks a time for prayer, as David resolves to pray "Evening, and morning, and at noon" Psalms 55:17. It is used for hospitality, as when Joseph planned for his brothers to dine with him at noon Genesis 43:16, and for confrontation, as Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal until noon 1 Kings 18:26. The word is also used to describe God's judgment, as in the prophecy that the sun will "go down at noon" Amos 8:9. In a unique literal sense, God commands Noah to construct a window for the ark Genesis 6:16.
Several related words help define the concept of time and light surrounding H6672:
- H1242 bôqer (morning): This term for the dawn or morning is often used in sequence with noon to describe the passage of the day or a consistent schedule of activity Psalms 55:17.
- H216 ʼôwr (light): As the fundamental concept of illumination, it is intrinsically linked to noonday. Scripture states that God shall bring forth righteousness "as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday" Psalms 37:6.
- H2822 chôshek (darkness): This term for darkness, misery, and ignorance stands as the direct opposite of the clarity of noon. Scripture uses the contrast powerfully, promising that "thy darkness be as the noonday" Isaiah 58:10.
- H6153 ʻereb (evening): Representing dusk, this word completes the daily cycle and is used alongside morning and noon to frame a full day of devotion Psalms 55:17.
The theological weight of H6672 is significant, often symbolizing a peak moment of clarity or crisis.
- Symbol of Divine Righteousness: Noonday's maximum brightness is used metaphorically to represent the undeniable clarity of God's justice and blessing. God promises to bring forth righteousness "as the noonday" Psalms 37:6, and Job is told his age "shall be clearer than the noonday" Job 11:17.
- Time of Judgment: Noon is frequently the appointed time for divine judgment or military action. The Lord warns He will "darken the earth" at noon Amos 8:9, and enemies are driven out "at the noon day" Zephaniah 2:4.
- Paradox of Light and Darkness: The term is used to create a stark paradox illustrating spiritual blindness or calamity, where one might "grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness" Deuteronomy 28:29. Conversely, it can symbolize ultimate restoration, where one's darkness and obscurity will become "as the noonday" Isaiah 58:10.
In summary, H6672 is much more than a simple indicator of time. It functions as a powerful biblical symbol for the zenith of light and clarity. It is used to portray the height of blessing, the starkness of divine judgment, and the profound nature of both spiritual sight and blindness. From a simple window on the ark to the metaphorical peak of God's righteousness, tsôhar marks moments of ultimate revelation and critical turning points.
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