### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H7452}}` (רֵעַ, *rêaʻ*) is primarily derived from the verb `{{H7321}}` (רוּעַ, *rûaʻ*), which signifies to shout, to raise a war-cry, to sound an alarm, or to make a loud noise. Consequently, `{{H7452}}` denotes the *result* or *manifestation* of such an action: a loud, often sudden, and impactful sound. Its semantic range encompasses:
1. A "crash" or "rumble," particularly associated with natural phenomena like thunder, conveying awe and divine power.
2. A "noise" or "uproar," especially in the context of battle, signifying the clamor of conflict, the rallying cry, or the sound of impending defeat/victory.
3. A "shout" of acclamation, joy, or triumph, indicating communal expression of celebration or fervent emotion.
Idiomatically, `{{H7452}}` can function adverbially, describing an action performed "aloud" or "with a noise/shout," emphasizing the vociferous nature of the act. The underlying commonality is a powerful, non-verbal auditory event that commands attention and often carries significant implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7452}}` in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Divine Manifestation/Natural Phenomena:** In [[Exodus 20:18]], `{{H7452}}` describes the "noise" or "crash" of thunder during the revelation at Mount Sinai, alongside lightning and the sound of the trumpet. Here, it underscores the terrifying and majestic presence of God. Similarly, [[Job 36:33]] speaks of the "noise" (or "crash") of thunder proclaiming God's presence, indicating His power and wisdom in creation.
* **Warfare and Conflict:** This is a prominent context for `{{H7452}}`. In the narrative of Jericho, both [[Joshua 6:5]] and [[Joshua 6:20]] command and describe the "shout" (or "noise") of the people that leads to the collapse of the city walls. This was not merely a human cry but a divinely ordained act. In [[1 Samuel 4:5]] and [[1 Samuel 4:6]], the "shout" of Israel when the Ark of the Covenant arrived in the camp is so great that it makes the earth "quake," striking fear into the Philistines. [[1 Samuel 17:20]] depicts the "shout" of the battle array as David arrives to confront Goliath, setting the scene for conflict. [[Jeremiah 10:22]] uses `{{H7452}}` to describe a "great noise" coming from the north, signifying the impending invasion and desolation of Judah. In [[Amos 1:14]], the "shout" of battle is prophesied to arise in the day of judgment against Rabbah.
* **Joy and Celebration:** [[Ezra 3:13]] provides a contrasting use, where `{{H7452}}` describes the "shout" of joy from those who witnessed the laying of the foundation of the second Temple. This "shout" was so loud that it could not be distinguished from the sound of weeping, highlighting the intensity of communal emotion.
Across these contexts, `{{H7452}}` consistently denotes a loud, impactful sound, whether it evokes fear, signals war, or expresses profound joy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word to `{{H7452}}` is its verbal root, `{{H7321}}` (רוּעַ, *rûaʻ*), which means "to shout," "to raise a war-cry," "to sound an alarm," or "to make a loud noise." `{{H7452}}` is the noun form, representing the *sound itself* produced by the action of `{{H7321}}`.
Another closely related noun, also derived from `{{H7321}}`, is `{{H8643}}` (תְּרוּעָה, *tᵉrûʻâh*). While `{{H7452}}` tends to describe a general "noise," "crash," or "shout," `{{H8643}}` often implies a more specific and structured sound, such as a trumpet blast, a war-cry, or a shout of triumph or alarm. Both words convey a loud, significant auditory event, but `{{H7452}}` can be broader in its application to natural sounds like thunder, whereas `{{H8643}}` is more frequently associated with human or instrumental sounds with specific intent.
Other general terms for sound, such as `{{H6963}}` (קֹל, *qôl*), meaning "voice" or "sound," differ from `{{H7452}}` in that qôl can refer to any sound, soft or loud, whereas rêaʻ specifically emphasizes a powerful, often tumultuous, or sudden volume. The distinctiveness of `{{H7452}}` lies in its inherent loudness and the impactful nature of the sound it describes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7452}}` is multifaceted, reflecting the diverse contexts in which it appears:
* **Divine Power and Presence:** When `{{H7452}}` describes the "crash" of thunder, as in [[Exodus 20:18]] and [[Job 36:33]], it serves as a powerful auditory manifestation of God's majesty, might, and awe-inspiring presence. This sound signifies His sovereignty over creation and His active involvement in human history, inspiring both reverence and fear.
* **Divine Intervention in Conflict:** The "shout" of battle, often associated with `{{H7452}}`, frequently points to God's hand in the outcome of war. In the conquest of Jericho ([[Joshua 6:5]], [[Joshua 6:20]]), the human shout is commanded by God and becomes the instrument of divine power, demonstrating that victory comes not by human might but by divine decree. The great "noise" of Israel's shout in [[1 Samuel 4:5]] and [[1 Samuel 4:6]], though initially inspiring fear in the Philistines, ultimately foreshadows God's judgment on Israel's presumption.
* **Communal Expression of Faith and Emotion:** The "shout of joy" ([[Ezra 3:13]]) represents a communal, fervent expression of worship, gratitude, and hope in the face of God's faithfulness. This loud acclamation signifies a profound emotional and spiritual response to God's work, demonstrating that worship can be a vibrant, audible outpouring of the heart.
* **Prophetic Warning and Judgment:** In prophetic contexts, such as [[Jeremiah 10:22]] and [[Amos 1:14]], `{{H7452}}` can signify the "noise" or "shout" of impending judgment, serving as an auditory sign of God's righteous wrath against sin and disobedience. This sound is a herald of divine consequence.
Thus, `{{H7452}}` is not merely a descriptor of sound but often carries a theological weight, revealing aspects of God's character, His interaction with humanity, and the appropriate human response to His actions.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7452}}` (רֵעַ, *rêaʻ*) denotes a loud, impactful, and often sudden sound. Derived from the verb `{{H7321}}` (רוּעַ), it encompasses the semantic range of a "crash" (as of thunder), a "noise" (especially of battle or commotion), or a "shout" (of joy or acclamation). Its contextual usage in the biblical narrative is rich and varied, describing divine manifestations at Sinai, the clamor of warfare, and the fervent expressions of communal joy or sorrow. Theologically, `{{H7452}}` serves as a powerful indicator of God's majestic presence and power, His active involvement in human affairs (both in judgment and deliverance), and the intensity of human response to divine action. Whether a terrifying crash, a war-cry, or a shout of worship, `{{H7452}}` consistently points to an auditory event of significant weight and consequence within the biblical text.
TRV