### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'ôbêd**, represented by `{{H8}}`, serves as a foundational term for **wretched** or **destruction**; **perish**. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses, signifying its specific and potent use in scripture. Beyond its literal meaning, it encompasses concepts of an active state of perishing or complete destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8}}` is used in specific prophetic contexts to denote a definitive end. It forecasts the ultimate fate of certain entities, as seen in the pronouncement regarding Amalek: "Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he **perish** for ever" [[Numbers 24:20]]. Similarly, it is used to foretell the downfall of nations like Asshur and Eber: "And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict `{{H6031}}` Asshur `{{H804}}`, and shall afflict `{{H6031}}` Eber `{{H5677}}`, and he also shall **perish** for ever" [[Numbers 24:24]]. Both usages underscore a decreed and irreversible destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide additional context for the concept of perishing:
* `{{H5677}}` **ʻÊbêr** (Eber): This term refers to a patriarch and his descendants, appearing alongside `{{H8}}` in a prophecy of destruction [[Numbers 24:24]]. It highlights the scope of the foretold perishing.
* `{{H6031}}` **ʻânâh** (to depress literally or figuratively, afflict): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H8}}`, describing the affliction that precedes the perishing [[Numbers 24:24]]. It underscores the oppressive circumstances leading to destruction.
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Asshur, Assyria): This refers to a nation and its people, mentioned as being afflicted before their perishing alongside `{{H5677}}` [[Numbers 24:24]]. It places `{{H8}}` in the context of geopolitical judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8}}` is significant, primarily conveying concepts of ultimate judgment and finality.
* **Divine Judgment:** The use of `{{H8}}` signals a divinely appointed and irreversible end for those specified, as seen in the fate of Amalek and other nations [[Numbers 24:20]].
* **Consequences of Opposition:** In the prophetic declarations, `{{H8}}` illustrates the severe consequences for nations or peoples whose actions lead to their ultimate destruction, often implying opposition to God's purposes.
* **Prophetic Certainty:** The term's appearance in Balaam's prophecies emphasizes the absolute certainty of the foretold doom, with the phrase "for ever" reinforcing the permanent nature of the perishing [[Numbers 24:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8}}` is a potent term that conveys the concept of absolute destruction and perishing. Its limited but impactful usage in prophetic contexts highlights the finality of divine judgment against specific entities. It signifies a complete and irreversible end, often preceded by affliction, emphasizing the solemn and certain outcome for those upon whom this judgment falls.
TRV