### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shammâh**, represented by `{{H8047}}`, is derived from the root for ruin and devastation. It signifies desolation, waste, and the resulting consternation or astonishment. This potent term appears **39 times** across **39 unique verses**, consistently portraying a state of profound shock and destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8047}}` is used almost exclusively in the context of divine judgment. The LORD brings about `desolation` `{{H8047}}` upon lands and cities as a direct consequence of sin, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness ([[Jeremiah 4:7]], [[Isaiah 13:9]]). This state is often described alongside being a curse [[2 Kings 22:19]], a reproach [[Jeremiah 29:18]], and a hissing [[Jeremiah 25:9]], making the judged party a public spectacle of ruin. Nations like Babylon [[Jeremiah 51:41]], Edom [[Jeremiah 49:17]], and even Judah and Jerusalem [[Jeremiah 44:22]] become an `astonishment` `{{H8047}}` because of their actions. The term also captures the emotional response to such judgment, as when the prophet Jeremiah declares that `astonishment` `{{H8047}}` has taken hold of him over the hurt of his people [[Jeremiah 8:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope of desolation and astonishment:
* `{{H8074}}` **shâmêm**: This is the primitive root from which **shammâh** is derived, meaning to devastate or be stupefied. It describes the reaction of those who witness the desolation, as they "shall be astonished" [[Jeremiah 18:16]].
* `{{H8077}}` **shᵉmâmâh**: A feminine form from the same root, meaning devastation or astonishment. It is used alongside `{{H8047}}` to intensify the concept, as in the "cup of astonishment and desolation" [[Ezekiel 23:33]].
* `{{H2723}}` **chorbâh**: Meaning desolation or a waste place, this word often appears in parallel with `{{H8047}}` to describe the physical ruin of a land or its cities ([[Jeremiah 25:18]], [[Jeremiah 44:22]]).
* `{{H8322}}` **shᵉrêqâh**: This word for hissing or derision describes the scornful reaction of onlookers to the judgment. Lands are made an `astonishment` `{{H8047}}` and a `hissing` `{{H8322}}` [[Jeremiah 25:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8047}}` is centered on the consequences of sin and the sovereignty of God's judgment.
* **A Consequence of Disobedience:** The state of `shammâh` is not arbitrary; it is the direct result of trespassing against the LORD [[2 Chronicles 30:7]], committing abominations [[Jeremiah 44:22]], and following wicked counsels [[Micah 6:16]].
* **A Manifestation of God's Wrath:** The desolation is an expression of God's fierce anger [[Jeremiah 25:38]] and fury [[Jeremiah 42:18]] poured out upon the disobedient, making His judgment visible in the physical world.
* **A Public Warning:** By making a people an `astonishment` `{{H8047}}`, a proverb, and a byword, God creates a warning for all nations [[Deuteronomy 28:37]]. The shocking ruin is meant to be seen by all who pass by, causing them to be astonished and hiss at the severity of the consequence [[Jeremiah 19:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8047}}` is a powerful term that connects the physical ruin of a place with the psychological shock of those who witness it. It moves beyond a simple definition of waste to describe a divinely ordained state of desolation that serves as a tangible and terrifying consequence of sin. The word stands as a stark biblical warning about the seriousness of turning away from God and the profound impact of His judgment.
TRV