### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rᵉphuʼâh**, represented by `{{H7499}}`, refers to a **medicament** or **medicine**. It is derived from a root word for healing and appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. In each case, it is used in a context of judgment where healing or remedy is unattainable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H7499}}` in scripture consistently portrays the inadequacy of human cures in the face of divine decree. In Jeremiah, the nation is told it has no healing **medicines** because there is no one to plead its cause, linking the lack of physical remedy to a state of legal and spiritual abandonment [[Jeremiah 30:13]]. Similarly, Egypt is told that using many **medicines** will be in vain, as no true cure will be found for its affliction [[Jeremiah 46:11]]. In Ezekiel, the broken arm of Pharaoh is intentionally not bound up to be **healed**, signifying a judgment that prevents the restoration of his power [[Ezekiel 30:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H7499}}` appears:
* `{{H1779}}` **dîyn** (cause, judgement, plea, strife): This word for a legal **cause** or plea is used directly alongside `{{H7499}}`, highlighting that Israel's lack of healing **medicines** is because there is "none to plead thy **cause**" [[Jeremiah 30:13]].
* `{{H2280}}` **châbash** (bind (up), ... healer): The physical action of binding a wound is connected to healing. In Ezekiel's prophecy, Pharaoh's arm "shall not be **bound up** to be healed," showing the deliberate withholding of a restorative act [[Ezekiel 30:21]].
* `{{H6875}}` **tsᵉrîy** (balm): This term for a specific, well-known remedy is mentioned to show the futility of even the best available treatments. Egypt is mockingly told to take **balm**, but its many medicines will not bring a cure [[Jeremiah 46:11]].
* `{{H8585}}` **tᵉʻâlâh** (conduit, cured, healing): Used in two instances with `{{H7499}}`, this term describes the "healing" or "cure" that is unattainable. Egypt will not be **cured** [[Jeremiah 46:11]], and Israel has no **healing** medicines [[Jeremiah 30:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7499}}` is centered on the limits of worldly remedies and the sovereignty of God.
* **Futility of Human Efforts:** The word is exclusively used to demonstrate that earthly **medicines**, even when used in abundance, are completely ineffective when God has pronounced judgment [[Jeremiah 46:11]].
* **Judgment and Lack of Remedy:** The absence of **medicines** is presented as a direct consequence of sin and abandonment. Without an advocate to plead one's cause, there is no access to a cure [[Jeremiah 30:13]].
* **Sovereign Withholding of Healing:** God's power is shown not only in his ability to heal but also in his ability to withhold it. The denial of healing to Pharaoh's arm is a purposeful act to render an enemy powerless, illustrating that restoration is ultimately under divine control [[Ezekiel 30:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7499}}` provides a specific and powerful theological lesson. Though it means **medicine** or **medicament**, its biblical usage is defined by its absence or failure. It teaches that true healing is not guaranteed by physical remedies or human action but is intrinsically linked to one's standing before God. When judgment is declared, no amount of earthly medicine can provide a cure.
TRV