a primitive root; properly, meaning to be white; used only as denominative from שֶׁלֶג; to be snow-white (with the linen clothing of the slain); be as snow.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H7949 (שָׁלַג, *shâlag*) is identified as a primitive root whose proper meaning is "to be white." It functions as a denominative verb, derived directly from the noun H7950 (שֶׁלֶג, *sheleg*), which signifies "snow." Consequently, the core semantic range of H7949 is "to be snow-white" or "to be as snow." The base definition further specifies an application related to "the linen clothing of the slain," hinting at a context where this whiteness signifies the outcome of conflict or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H7949 occurs only once in the Masoretic Text, found in [[Psalm 68:14]]: "When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Zalmon."
The context of [[Psalm 68:14]] is a triumphal psalm celebrating God's powerful acts of deliverance and judgment on behalf of His people. The verse describes a scene following a divine victory where kings have been scattered. The phrase "it was white as snow in Zalmon" (תַּשְׁלֵג בְּצַלְמוֹן) employs H7949 to describe the appearance of Mount Zalmon (or Salmon). Mount Zalmon was likely a dark, forested mountain. The imagery of it becoming "white as snow" after the scattering of kings can be interpreted in several ways, all contributing to the theme of divine triumph:
1. **The Linen Garments of the Slain:** This aligns directly with the nuance provided in the base definition. The battlefield, covered with the white linen garments of the defeated and scattered enemy soldiers, would make the dark mountain appear "white." This vividly portrays the completeness of the rout and the sheer number of the fallen.
2. **Bones of the Slain:** Similar to the above, the bones of the slain, bleached white under the sun, could contribute to the "snow-white" appearance, emphasizing the desolation and finality of the defeat.
3. **Divine Manifestation/Purity:** Less likely in this specific context but still a possibility, the whiteness could symbolize a miraculous snowfall or the radiant glory of God's presence, purifying the land after the judgment of the wicked.
Given the preceding mention of "scattering kings," the interpretation related to the defeated enemy's remnants (garments or bones) is the most compelling, underscoring the absolute and visible nature of God's victory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H7949 is its etymological root, the noun H7950 (שֶׁלֶג, *sheleg*), meaning "snow." Understanding the properties of snow—its whiteness, purity, and often its vastness when covering a landscape—is crucial for grasping the full semantic force of H7949.
Concepts related to "whiteness" in biblical literature are diverse:
* **Purity and Cleansing:** As seen in [[Psalm 51:7]] ("wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow"), whiteness often symbolizes spiritual purification and moral blamelessness.
* **Divine Glory and Transfiguration:** The garments of divine or angelic beings are often described as dazzling white ([[Daniel 7:9]], [[Matthew 17:2]], [[Revelation 1:14]]).
* **Judgment and Leprosy:** Paradoxically, whiteness can also signify the defilement of leprosy, a visible sign of impurity and judgment ([[Numbers 12:10]]).
* **Old Age and Wisdom:** White hair is a symbol of age and often wisdom ([[Proverbs 16:31]]).
In the context of H7949 in [[Psalm 68:14]], the whiteness is intimately linked with the outcome of divine judgment and warfare, signifying the complete vanquishing of enemies and the stark, undeniable evidence of God's decisive intervention.
### Theological Significance
The singular usage of H7949 in [[Psalm 68:14]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful visual metaphor for God's overwhelming power and absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers and nations. The scattering of kings and the subsequent "snow-white" appearance of Zalmon vividly portray the completeness and finality of divine judgment.
This imagery underscores that God's victory is not merely a defeat of enemies but a comprehensive obliteration that leaves an indelible, visible mark on the landscape. The whiteness, usually associated with purity, here paradoxically describes the aftermath of violent judgment, suggesting that even in His acts of war, God's actions are righteous and lead to a purified state, free from opposition.
Furthermore, the use of a natural phenomenon like snow—often associated with divine wonder, beauty, and purity—to describe the scene of a battlefield elevates the event beyond mere human conflict. It implies a divine act of cleansing and establishment of order, where the very landscape bears witness to the Almighty's triumph. It is a testament to the unchallengeable authority and might of Yahweh.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H7949 (שָׁלַג, *shâlag*), derived from the word for "snow," means "to be snow-white" or "to be as snow." Its sole occurrence in [[Psalm 68:14]] provides a potent image of divine victory. Following God's scattering of kings, Mount Zalmon is described as becoming "white as snow," most likely referring to the stark visual impact of the scattered linen garments or bones of the defeated enemy. This rare but impactful word thus underscores the absolute nature of God's judgment and triumph, vividly portraying the completeness of His victory and the undeniable evidence of His sovereign power over all opposition.
TRV