### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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