The Hebrew word shâʼan, represented by H7599, is a primitive root meaning to be peaceful, at ease, quiet, or to rest. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses, illustrating a state of untroubled repose. The term can describe both a divinely granted peace and a form of stagnant complacency.
In scripture, H7599 is used to describe different forms of quiet. In Job, it portrays the ultimate release from suffering, where prisoners rest H7599 together, no longer hearing the voice of their oppressor Job 3:18. In contrast, the prophet Jeremiah uses it to describe Moab's stagnant condition, having been at ease H7599 from its youth and never refined through trial Jeremiah 48:11. The word also appears in promises of restoration for Israel, where Jacob will return from captivity to be in rest and at ease H7599, with no one to make him afraid Jeremiah 46:27. This promise is repeated, emphasizing that Jacob shall be quiet H7599 after his return Jeremiah 30:10. Finally, Proverbs links this state to wisdom, promising that whoever listens will dwell safely and be quiet H7599 from the fear of evil Proverbs 1:33.
Several related words help define the context of being at ease:
- H8252 shâqaṭ (to repose, rest, be still): This word is frequently paired with shâʼan to emphasize a deep state of peace. In God's promise to Israel, they will return and be in rest H8252 and at ease H7599 Jeremiah 46:27. It is also used to describe Moab, who has been at ease and has settled H8252 on his lees Jeremiah 48:11.
- H983 beṭach (safety, security, trust): This term describes the security that often accompanies the state of being at ease. In Proverbs, hearkening to wisdom leads one to dwell safely H983 and be quiet from fear Proverbs 1:33.
- H2729 chârad (to shudder with terror, be afraid, tremble): This word serves as a direct antonym, highlighting what is absent in a state of shâʼan. The promise to a restored Jacob is that he will be at ease, and "none shall make him afraid H2729" (Jeremiah 30:10, Jeremiah 46:27).
The theological weight of H7599 lies in its portrayal of true peace and its counterfeit.
- Promised Restoration: The state of being at ease H7599 is a core component of God's promise to restore Israel. It signifies a complete deliverance from captivity and fear, allowing Jacob to return to a condition of divinely secured rest (Jeremiah 30:10, Jeremiah 46:27).
- Consequence of Complacency: The word serves as a warning in the case of Moab. Being at ease H7599 without undergoing trials leads to a spiritually stagnant and unchanged state, like unrefined wine Jeremiah 48:11. This illustrates that ease apart from God's purpose is a negative condition.
- Fruit of Wisdom: True quietness is presented as a result of heeding divine wisdom. This peace is not merely an absence of conflict but a specific freedom from the fear H6343 of evil Proverbs 1:33.
- Final Release: In the context of Job's lament, H7599 points toward a final, absolute rest from earthly suffering, where even prisoners are free from their oppressors Job 3:18.
In summary, shâʼan H7599 encapsulates a profound state of being that is more than simple quietness. It carries a dual meaning, representing both a blessed condition and a spiritual danger. It is the promised state of rest and security for God's people after their restoration Jeremiah 46:27 and the reward for those who follow wisdom Proverbs 1:33. Conversely, it can describe the stagnant complacency of a nation that has never faced adversity Jeremiah 48:11. From the final rest of the dead Job 3:18 to the peaceful security of the righteous, H7599 defines a significant state of being, free from external disturbance and fear.
TRV