### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼorŏbâh**, represented by `{{H698}}`, is defined as **spoils** or ambuscades. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its meaning is derived from its context, where it signifies the plunder or ill-gotten gains that are seized in an act of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H698}}` is in [[Isaiah 25:11]]. In this prophetic passage, God is depicted as humbling the proud. The verse describes a powerful figure who "shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim." This action results in God bringing down their pride "together with the **spoils** of their hands." Here, the word directly refers to the tangible results of prideful and wicked actions, which are stripped away by divine power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H698}}` is illuminated by the words used alongside it in its single context:
* `{{H8213}}` **shâphêl** (to depress or sink): This is the action word used to describe what happens to the pride and the spoils. It signifies being brought low or humbled, as seen when the LORD "bringeth low" [[1 Samuel 2:7]].
* `{{H1346}}` **gaʼăvâh** (pride): This word is directly coupled with "spoils" in [[Isaiah 25:11]]. It denotes the arrogance and haughtiness that God opposes. Scripture consistently warns that a man's **pride** will bring him low [[Proverbs 29:23]].
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (a hand): The spoils are explicitly from "their hands," linking the plunder to human action and power. The hand represents ability and agency, and its "spoils" are the fruits of that agency, which God ultimately judges [[Proverbs 18:21]].
* `{{H6566}}` **pâras** (to break apart, disperse, etc.): This word describes the motion of the swimmer, an image of total control and coverage. This same action is used to describe God stretching out his hands to a rebellious people [[Isaiah 65:2]], reinforcing the theme of divine intervention.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H698}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
* **Divine Judgment on Pride:** The term appears exclusively in a context of judgment. The "spoils" are not a reward but the target of divine action, seized and nullified along with the pride that acquired them [[Isaiah 25:11]].
* **The Futility of Wicked Gains:** By linking the "spoils" to "their hands," the verse demonstrates that what humanity achieves through arrogant power can be effortlessly swept away. The humbling of the proud involves the removal of their ill-gotten security and status.
* **God's Sovereignty:** The imagery of a swimmer moving through water illustrates God's complete and sovereign power. He moves within the realm of the proud to dismantle their achievements, bringing down both their haughtiness `{{H1346}}` and their spoils `{{H698}}` in a single, decisive act.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H698}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is inseparable from its context in [[Isaiah 25:11]]. While it only appears once, it plays a crucial role in a vivid depiction of divine judgment. It represents the tangible acquisitions of prideful ambition, which are ultimately shown to be worthless and subject to the sovereign power of God, who brings low the proud and the spoils of their hands.
TRV