### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7285 (רֶגֶשׁ, *regesh*), and its feminine form רִגְשָׁה (*rigshah*), derives from the verbal root H7264 (רָגַשׁ, *ragash*), which signifies to be in a tumult, to rage, or to conspire. Consequently, H7285 carries the core meaning of a tumultuous crowd, a company characterized by agitation, or, more specifically, an insurrection or a conspiracy. It denotes a gathering not merely in terms of number, but in terms of its inherent unrest, hostile intent, or rebellious plotting. Unlike more neutral terms for a group or assembly, regesh inherently conveys a sense of disorder, agitation, or malevolent purpose, often directed against authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7285 is exceedingly rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once, in the opening verse of the pivotal Messianic Psalm 2:
* [[Psalm 2:1]]: "Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?" (וְלְאֻמִּים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק׃)
In this context, the word translated as "plot" or "imagine" (יֶהְגּוּ, *yehgu*) is a verb, but the noun regesh is implicitly present in the concept of the nations' rebellious gathering. However, the Strong's definition of H7285 explicitly links it to the noun form of the "tumultuous crowd" or "insurrection." The Masoretic Text of [[Psalm 2:1]] uses the verb H1897 (הָגָה, *hagah*) meaning "to meditate," "to mutter," or "to plot," in conjunction with the preceding verb H7264 (רָגַשׁ, *ragash*), "to rage." The definition of H7285 as a "tumultuous crowd" or "insurrection" directly reflects the nature of the nations' activity described in this verse. The context is unequivocally one of rebellion: earthly kings and rulers conspire together against YHWH and His Anointed One (the Messiah). The "tumultuous crowd" here is not just noisy but is actively engaged in a futile, hostile, and organized opposition to divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H7285 is its verbal root, H7264 (רָגַשׁ, *ragash*), which means "to be in a tumult," "to rage," or "to conspire." This root clearly underscores the agitated and often hostile nature inherent in regesh. While other Hebrew words denote a "crowd" or "multitude," they lack the specific connotation of hostile intent or rebellion found in H7285:
* H1995 (הָמוֹן, *hamon*): A multitude, crowd, often with a sense of noise or abundance, but not necessarily rebellious.
* H6951 (קָהָל, *qahal*): An assembly, congregation, often for a specific, organized purpose (religious or civic).
* H5712 (עֵדָה, *edah*): A congregation or assembly, typically referring to the community of Israel.
In contrast, H7285 aligns conceptually with terms related to rebellion or conspiracy:
* H4784 (מֶרִי, *meri*): Rebellion, stubbornness.
* H4777 (מֶרֶד, *mered*): Rebellion, revolt.
The distinctiveness of H7285 lies in its combination of "crowd" with "tumult" and "insurrection," providing a vivid image of a hostile, agitated gathering set against a specific authority.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H7285 in [[Psalm 2:1]] imbues it with profound theological significance. This Psalm is foundational to Messianic prophecy and the understanding of God's sovereign rule. The "tumultuous plotting" (the essence of regesh) of the nations and their rulers represents the quintessential human rebellion against divine authority and the divinely appointed King, the Messiah. This regesh is not merely political unrest but a spiritual defiance, an attempt by earthly powers to cast off the "bonds" and "cords" of YHWH's rule.
The theological response to this regesh is equally significant: God laughs at their futile efforts [[Psalm 2:4]], asserting His ultimate sovereignty and the inevitable establishment of His King on Zion [[Psalm 2:6]]. Thus, regesh serves as a powerful descriptor of the world's opposition to God's kingdom, highlighting the futility and ultimate failure of all human attempts to thwart divine purposes. It underscores the cosmic conflict between God's perfect will and rebellious human autonomy, culminating in the triumph of Christ.
### Summary
H7285 (רֶגֶשׁ, *regesh*) denotes a tumultuous crowd, an agitated company, or, most fittingly, an insurrection or conspiracy. Derived from the verb H7264 (רָגַשׁ) meaning "to rage" or "conspire," this term carries a strong connotation of hostile and rebellious intent. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 2:1]] is exceptionally significant, portraying the futile plotting of the nations against YHWH and His Anointed One. Theologically, regesh encapsulates the essence of human rebellion against divine sovereignty, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the Messiah over all earthly opposition. It is a word that, despite its rarity, powerfully conveys the spiritual conflict between worldly defiance and divine authority.
TRV