The Hebrew word shûwd, represented by H7736, is a primitive root. Its base definition is properly, to swell up, which is used figuratively to mean to devastate or waste, often with an implication of insolence. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making it a highly specific term.
The single biblical use of H7736 is in the context of divine protection from various dangers. It is found in Psalms 91:6, which promises security from "the destruction that wasteth at noonday." In this verse, the word describes a destructive force that operates openly and brazenly in the full light of day, contrasting with the hidden dangers that move in darkness mentioned in the same line.
Several related words from its sole context in Psalms 91:6 help clarify its meaning:
- H6986 qeṭeb (destruction): from an unused root meaning to cut off; ruin; destroying, destruction. This word is paired directly with shûwd, identifying the nature of the thing that "wasteth" at midday Psalms 91:6.
- H1698 deber (pestilence): from דָבַר (in the sense of destroying); a pestilence; murrain, pestilence, plague. This is the parallel threat in the same verse, a danger that "walketh in darkness" Psalms 91:6.
- H1980 hâlak (to walk): a primitive root; to walk. This verb personifies the pestilence, describing its movement in darkness Psalms 91:6.
- H652 ʼôphel (darkness): from the same as אָפֵל; dusk; darkness, obscurity, privily. This term establishes the setting for the hidden threat, creating a contrast with the time when shûwd occurs Psalms 91:6.
- H6672 tsôhar (noonday): a light (i.e. window); dual double light, i.e. noon; midday, noon(-day, -tide), window. This specifies the time of the "wasting," emphasizing its public and unconcealed nature Psalms 91:6.
The theological weight of H7736 comes from its unique placement and function within its single verse.
- Comprehensive Protection: Its use illustrates the completeness of God's protection. By being set against the "pestilence that walketh in darkness," the "destruction that wasteth at noonday" shows that God's care extends to all dangers, both secret and overt Psalms 91:6.
- Overcoming Audacious Evil: The figurative meaning of devastation stemming from "swelling up" with insolence suggests a bold, arrogant, and overwhelming destructive force. The assurance of protection from such a power highlights God's sovereignty over even the most flagrant evils.
- Poetic Parallelism: The term serves a crucial role in the poetic structure of Psalms 91:6. It completes the picture of round-the-clock danger, assuring the faithful of safety at all times and from all kinds of threats.
In summary, H7736 shûwd is a rare but vivid word for violent devastation. Its single appearance in Scripture is powerful, used in Psalms 91:6 to portray a brazen destruction that attacks in broad daylight. In doing so, it contributes to a broader theological theme, illustrating that the scope of divine protection is absolute, covering every conceivable threat, whether it hides in the dark or wastes with audacity at noon.
TRV