### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râshash**, represented by `{{H7567}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to demolish; impoverish**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term conveys a state of being completely broken down or made destitute, often through destructive action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H7567}}` depict states of ruin and judgment. In [[Jeremiah 5:17]], the word describes the outcome of an invasion, where the enemy will not only consume the **harvest** `{{H7105}}` and **bread** `{{H3899}}`, but also **impoverish** the **fenced** `{{H4013}}` cities in which the people trusted. In [[Malachi 1:4]], `{{H7567}}` is used by **Edom** `{{H123}}` to describe their condition, stating, "We are **impoverished**." This claim is made in defiance, as they vow to **build** `{{H1129}}` again, but the LORD declares He will **throw down** `{{H2040}}` their efforts, marking them as a people under His perpetual **indignation** `{{H2194}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of demolition and ruin associated with `{{H7567}}`:
* `{{H2040}}` **hâraç** (to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy): This word acts as a divine counterpoint to human effort. While Edom claims it will rebuild, God promises, "I will **throw down**" [[Malachi 1:4]], showing His ultimate authority to demolish.
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This term stands in direct contrast to impoverishment and destruction. Edom's defiant promise to "return and **build** the desolate places" [[Malachi 1:4]] highlights the conflict between human pride and divine judgment.
* `{{H4013}}` **mibtsâr** (a fortification, castle, or fortified city): This word identifies the object of the impoverishment in Jeremiah's prophecy. The promise that an enemy will **impoverish** the **fenced** cities demonstrates that human strongholds offer no ultimate security [[Jeremiah 5:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7567}}` is centered on themes of divine judgment and sovereignty.
* **Futility of Human Pride:** The word is used in the context of Edom's boastful attempt to overcome their ruin. Their statement, "We are **impoverished**, but we will return and **build**," is immediately nullified by God's declaration that He will **throw down** their works, marking them as the "border of **wickedness**" `{{H7564}}` [[Malachi 1:4]].
* **Judgment as Consequence:** In Jeremiah, being impoverished is the result of sin. An invading force is the instrument of judgment, consuming resources like **bread** `{{H3899}}` and dismantling sources of trust, such as **fenced** `{{H4013}}` cities [[Jeremiah 5:17]].
* **Demolition of False Security:** Both occurrences link being impoverished to the destruction of what people rely on for safety. Jeremiah explicitly mentions the cities "wherein thou trustedst" [[Jeremiah 5:17]], and Malachi shows God dismantling Edom's efforts to rebuild their "desolate places" `{{H2723}}`, proving that security apart from God is an illusion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7567}}` **râshash** signifies more than a simple lack of resources; it points to a condition of being actively demolished and brought to ruin. It appears exclusively in contexts of judgment, either as a consequence for Israel's unfaithfulness or as a permanent state for a nation like **Edom** `{{H123}}` living under God's **indignation** `{{H2194}}`. The word powerfully illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty, showing that any human attempt to build or trust in worldly defenses is futile when set against the authority of God.
TRV