### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The root `{{H7710}}` (שָׁדַף, *shâdaph*) is a primitive verb, primarily conveying the idea of being "scorched" or "blasted." Its core meaning relates to the destructive effect of intense heat or a blight, particularly upon vegetation. This is not a gentle warming but a severe, damaging impact that causes plants to wither, turn yellow, or become unproductive. The semantic range is quite narrow, consistently pointing to an adverse atmospheric or environmental condition that ruins crops. It implies a sudden and comprehensive destruction of agricultural produce, leading to famine and hardship. The Piel stem, where it most frequently appears, emphasizes the intensive or causative aspect of this scorching, indicating that something *causes* the blasting or that the blasting is a complete process.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H7710}}` appears seven times in the Old Testament, predominantly in contexts related to agricultural disaster and divine judgment.
1. **Genesis 41:6, 23, 27**: In Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, the seven thin and "blasted" (שְׁדֻפוֹת, *shəduphot*, Pual participle) ears of grain represent seven years of famine. This is the foundational context, establishing `{{H7710}}` as a descriptor of withered, unproductive crops, specifically affected by an east wind. The imagery is vivid: the ears are "blasted by the east wind," signifying a destructive force.
2. **2 Kings 19:26**: Here, the word describes the Assyrian army's fate, comparing them to "blasted grain" (שְׁדֵמָה שְׁדֻפָה, *shədemah shəduphah*, Pual participle) before it is grown. The simile emphasizes their impotence and swift destruction, unable to come to fruition or cause harm. This is a metaphorical extension, applying the concept of agricultural ruin to military defeat.
3. **Isaiah 37:27**: A parallel passage to [[2 Kings 19:26]], reiterating the comparison of the Assyrian forces to "blasted grain" (שְׁדֻפָה, *shəduphah*, Pual participle), reinforcing their ultimate helplessness and failure.
4. **Haggai 2:17**: God declares, "I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the work of your hands" (הִכֵּיתִי אֶתְכֶם בַּשִּׁדָּפוֹן וּבַיֵּרָקוֹן, *hikkêtiy 'etkhem bashshiddafon uvayyeraqon*). While the noun form "blight" (שִׁדָּפוֹן, *shiddaphon*) is used here, it directly derives from the root `{{H7710}}`, indicating the devastating effect of divine judgment on crops. This highlights the theological dimension of the word, linking agricultural failure to God's disciplinary actions.
5. **Amos 4:9**: Similar to Haggai, Amos proclaims, "I struck you with blight and mildew" (הִכֵּיתִי אֶתְכֶם בַּשִּׁדָּפוֹן וּבַיֵּרָקוֹן, *hikkêtiy 'etkhem bashshiddafon uvayyeraqon*). This reinforces the idea that crop destruction, including scorching, is a divine instrument to call the people to repentance.
In summary, the contexts consistently depict `{{H7710}}` (or its derivative) as a sign of environmental devastation, often linked to the east wind, and frequently as a manifestation of divine judgment or a precursor to famine.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning of `{{H7710}}`:
* **שִׁדָּפוֹן (*shiddaphon*)**: This is the noun form derived directly from `{{H7710}}`, meaning "blight" or "scorching" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], [[1 Kings 8:37]], [[2 Chronicles 6:28]], [[Amos 4:9]], [[Haggai 2:17]]). It refers to the *condition* or *effect* of being scorched, specifically applied to plants. Its frequent pairing with יֵרָקוֹן (*yêraqôn*, "mildew" or "yellow blight") emphasizes the destructive impact on crops.
* **יֵרָקוֹן (*yêraqôn*)**: Often paired with שִׁדָּפוֹן, meaning "mildew" or "yellow blight." While `{{H7710}}` implies scorching by heat or wind, יֵרָקוֹן suggests a disease that causes yellowing and decay, both leading to crop failure.
* **קָדִים (*qadim*)**: The "east wind" (e.g., [[Genesis 41:6]], [[Ezekiel 17:10]], [[Hosea 13:15]]). This wind, prevalent in the Near East, is known for its dry, hot, and often destructive nature, perfectly aligning with the concept of "scorching" or "blasting" vegetation. It is the agent often associated with the effects of `{{H7710}}`.
* **צָמַק (*tsamaq*)**: To "dry up" or "wither" (e.g., [[Joel 1:17]]). While similar in outcome (withering of plants), `{{H7710}}` emphasizes the *cause* (scorching/blasting), whereas צָמַק describes the *state* of being dried up.
* **חָרַב (*charav*)**: To "be desolate" or "dried up" (e.g., [[Isaiah 19:5]]). This is a broader term for desolation, which can be a result of scorching or blasting.
These terms collectively paint a picture of agricultural vulnerability in the ancient Near East, where environmental factors like scorching winds and plant diseases could quickly lead to widespread famine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7710}}` and its related noun (שִׁדָּפוֹן) is profound, primarily serving as a tangible manifestation of divine judgment and discipline.
1. **Divine Judgment and Discipline**: In the prophetic books (e.g., [[Amos 4:9]], [[Haggai 2:17]]), God explicitly states that He is the one who "strikes" the people with blight (שִׁדָּפוֹן). This is not merely a natural disaster but a direct act of God to call His people to repentance due to their disobedience or neglect. It serves as a stark reminder of the covenant curses outlined in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], where blight is listed as a consequence of turning away from God.
2. **Consequences of Disobedience**: The scorching of crops directly impacts the economic and physical well-being of the community, leading to hunger and hardship. This physical suffering is intended to prompt spiritual introspection and a return to faithfulness. The inability of the land to yield its produce underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His capacity to withhold blessings.
3. **Symbol of Futility and Defeat**: In the historical and prophetic narratives concerning the Assyrian army (e.g., [[2 Kings 19:26]], [[Isaiah 37:27]]), being "blasted" is a metaphor for utter futility and defeat. Just as scorched grain cannot mature and yield a harvest, so too are the enemies of God rendered powerless and unable to achieve their destructive aims. This demonstrates God's protective power over His people and His ability to thwart the plans of the wicked.
4. **Call to Repentance**: The experience of blight and scorching, as a divine discipline, is intended to be a catalyst for repentance. The prophets use these calamities to urge the people to "consider your ways" ([[Haggai 1:5]], [[Haggai 1:7]]) and return to the Lord. It highlights God's desire for His people's spiritual well-being, even through difficult means.
Thus, `{{H7710}}` is more than a botanical term; it is a powerful theological marker, illustrating God's active involvement in human affairs, His justice, and His unwavering call for His people to walk in obedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H7710}}` (שָׁדַף, *shâdaph*) signifies "to scorch" or "to blast," primarily describing the destructive effect of intense heat or blight on vegetation. Its occurrences in the Old Testament, though few, consistently depict severe agricultural devastation, often caused by the east wind, leading to withered and unproductive crops (e.g., [[Genesis 41:6]]). The related noun, שִׁדָּפוֹן (*shiddaphon*), meaning "blight," frequently appears alongside יֵרָקוֹן ("mildew"), emphasizing widespread crop failure. Theologically, `{{H7710}}` is a potent symbol of divine judgment and discipline, used by God to bring about famine and hardship as a consequence of disobedience (e.g., [[Amos 4:9]], [[Haggai 2:17]]). It also serves metaphorically to describe the utter futility and defeat of God's adversaries (e.g., [[2 Kings 19:26]]). Ultimately, the concept embedded in `{{H7710}}` underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His use of natural phenomena to call His people to repentance and faithfulness.
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