### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rêaʻ**, represented by `{{H7452}}`, is derived from the root `{{H7321}}` and refers to a **crash, noise, or shout**. It appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, making each usage distinct. Its meaning encompasses the sharp sound of a crash like thunder, the collective noise of war, or a loud shout of joy or distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H7452}}` is used to describe powerful and often ambiguous sounds. When Joshua `{{H3091}}` hears the people in the camp, he mistakes their **shouted** `{{H7452}}` revelry for the noise of war `{{H4421}}`, demonstrating how a sound can be misinterpreted [[Exodus 32:17]]. In Micah, it describes a cry made **aloud** `{{H7452}}` in a time of great distress, when pangs `{{H2427}}` have taken hold of the people as they are without a king `{{H4428}}` or counsellor `{{H3289}}` [[Micah 4:9]]. Finally, in Job, it refers to a **noise** `{{H7452}}`, likely thunder, which "sheweth" `{{H5046}}` or declares the coming of a storm [[Job 36:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of `{{H7452}}`:
* `{{H7321}}` **rûwaʻ** (to shout (for alarm or joy)): As the root of `{{H7452}}`, this verb signifies the action of making a loud sound. It is used directly alongside `{{H7452}}` in [[Micah 4:9]], where the people are asked why they "cry out aloud."
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): This general word for "noise" or "voice" is used in [[Exodus 32:17]] to describe the same event as `{{H7452}}`, highlighting the loud, indistinct nature of the sound Joshua `{{H3091}}` heard from the camp `{{H4264}}`.
* `{{H2427}}` **chîyl** (pain, pang, sorrow): This word for anguish is the reason for the loud cry `{{H7452}}` in [[Micah 4:9]]. The sound is an outward expression of the deep inner pain of a nation, compared to a woman in travail `{{H3205}}`.
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle... war): The shout `{{H7452}}` of the people is mistaken for the sound of **war** by Joshua, illustrating how a powerful noise can signify conflict and chaos [[Exodus 32:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7452}}` lies in its ability to capture a specific type of impactful sound that demands interpretation.
* **A Sound of Judgment and Misperception:** In Exodus, the **shouted** `{{H7452}}` noise of the people's idolatry is misidentified as a sound of **war** `{{H4421}}`. This moment reveals both the spiritual decay within the camp and the challenge of correctly interpreting events from a distance [[Exodus 32:17]].
* **A Cry of National Anguish:** The word is used in Micah to give voice to a nation's suffering. The cry **aloud** `{{H7452}}` is not one of joy but of desperation, caused by a failure of leadership and the resulting **pangs** `{{H2427}}` of judgment [[Micah 4:9]].
* **A Proclamation in Nature:** In Job, the **noise** `{{H7452}}` of thunder acts as a natural sign that "sheweth" `{{H5046}}` what is to come. It serves as a declaration within the created order, one that even the cattle `{{H4735}}` seem to understand [[Job 36:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7452}}` **rêaʻ**, though rare, provides a specific term for a loud, declarative sound. Whether it is the shouted noise of a crowd, a cry of intense pain, or the crash of thunder, it functions as a signal. These occurrences show that such sounds are never neutral; they signify a deeper reality, be it sinful celebration, national crisis, or the powerful movement of nature.
TRV