The Hebrew word reṭeṭ, represented by H7374, denotes terror or fear. It is derived from an unused root meaning to tremble. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse, highlighting its specialized and intense meaning.
The sole appearance of H7374 is in the prophecy against Damascus. The city is personified as being overcome by dread, described as having "waxed feeble" H7503 and turning to flee H5127. In this state of weakness, fear H7374 seizes her, accompanied by anguish and sorrows, much like a woman in labor Jeremiah 49:24. The context illustrates a complete collapse of strength and courage in the face of impending judgment.
Several related words in its only context illuminate the nature of this fear:
- H7503 râphâh (to slacken... be weak): Damascus first "is waxed feeble" H7503, creating a state of vulnerability that allows terror to take hold Jeremiah 49:24. God's command to "be ye strong" and not let hands be "weak" H7503 stands in direct opposition to this state 2 Chronicles 15:7.
- H5127 nûwç (to flit, i.e. vanish away... flee): The immediate reaction to the weakness and fear is to "turneth herself to flee" H5127 Jeremiah 49:24. This word often describes the scattering of enemies or the wicked who flee when no man pursues Proverbs 28:1.
- H6869 tsârâh (tightness... trouble; anguish): This word is used in parallel with H7374 to describe the experience of Damascus. The verse states that "anguish" H6869 and sorrows have taken her Jeremiah 49:24. It signifies a state of deep distress or trouble, from which God is presented as a refuge and deliverer (Psalms 46:1, Nahum 1:7).
The theological weight of H7374 is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
- Fear as an Active Agent: The scripture portrays H7374 not as a passive emotion but as an aggressive force. The verb "seized" H2388 used in conjunction with it in Jeremiah 49:24 depicts terror as something that actively takes hold and overpowers its victim. This contrasts with calls for God's people to "be strong" H2388 and courageous Joshua 1:9.
- The Precursor of Weakness: The narrative in Jeremiah 49:24 shows that Damascus "is waxed feeble" H7503 before fear takes over. This suggests that a state of being weakened or slackened can be a precursor to being overcome by terror. God promises His people that He will not "fail" H7503 or forsake them, preventing such a collapse Deuteronomy 31:6.
- A Vivid Portrait of Judgment: The coupling of fear H7374 with "anguish" H6869 and "sorrows" H2256 paints a picture of comprehensive distress. The simile "as a woman in travail" Jeremiah 49:24 emphasizes that this is not a simple fright but a consuming, physical, and inescapable ordeal tied to divine judgment.
In conclusion, reṭeṭ H7374 provides a potent and specific depiction of overwhelming terror. Though it appears only once, its context within the prophecy against Damascus, surrounded by words of weakness, fleeing, and anguish, gives it significant weight. It illustrates a fear that is not merely an emotion but an active, seizing force that results from a state of feebleness and leads to complete collapse.
TRV