The Hebrew word shilshôwm, represented by H8032, is a term signifying a time before the present, often translated as the day before yesterday, heretofore, or time past. It appears 25 times in 25 unique verses. Derived from a root meaning "trebly," its primary function is to establish a past condition or a point of comparison against which a current situation is measured.
In biblical narratives, H8032 is used to mark significant shifts in relationships, circumstances, and historical periods. It is frequently employed to establish a baseline of what was normal "before." For instance, Jacob observed that Laban's countenance was not toward him "as before" Genesis 31:2, indicating a souring of their relationship. In a legal context, it is crucial for determining intent, as in the case of a slayer who "hated him not in time past" Deuteronomy 19:6, which qualified him for refuge. The term also marks unprecedented events, such as the Philistines' fear when the Ark of God entered their camp, because "there hath not been such a thing heretofore" 1 Samuel 4:7. A unique usage appears in Proverbs 22:20, where it is translated as "excellent things."
Several related words are almost always used in conjunction with H8032 to emphasize this sense of past time:
- H8543 tᵉmôwl (yesterday, or day before yesterday): This word is frequently paired with H8032 to form an idiom for "time past" or "heretofore." In Exodus 4:10, Moses uses the combined phrase to tell God he was not eloquent even "heretofore."
- H865 ʼethmôwl (heretofore; definitely yesterday): Similar to H8543, this term is often joined with H8032 to describe a prior state. It is used to recall David's past military leadership "in time past" while Saul was still king 2 Samuel 5:2.
The conceptual weight of H8032 is evident in its application across different areas of life and law.
- Legal Precedent: The word is foundational in establishing prior conditions for legal judgments. The status of an ox that was known "to push in time past" Exodus 21:29 determined the owner's liability, highlighting how past behavior creates present responsibility.
- Historical Reference: It serves as a benchmark for historical change. The leaders of Israel refer to David's leadership "in times past" to validate their desire for him to be king 2 Samuel 3:17.
- Relational Baseline: The term captures the state of personal relationships before a change. Jonathan brought David back to Saul's presence, to be there "as in times past" 1 Samuel 19:7, signifying a temporary restoration of a former, positive state.
- Specific Time Marker: In one instance, the word is used more literally to specify a period of time, when David tells the priest that women have been kept from them for "about these three days" 1 Samuel 21:5.
In summary, H8032 is a dynamic term that does more than simply point to the past. It functions as a narrative and legal tool for contrast, establishing a "before" to give meaning to the "after." Whether defining a lack of malice in law, a change in a personal relationship, or a shift in national leadership, shilshôwm provides the necessary historical context to understand the significance of the present moment in the biblical account.
TRV