### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shârâh**, represented by `{{H8284}}`, refers to **a fortification (literally or figuratively); sing (by mistake for שִׁיר), wall**. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entirety of scripture, highlighting its specialized use.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H8284}}` is in [[Jeremiah 5:10]], where the LORD commands an invading force concerning Judah. The instruction is to "Go ye up upon her **walls**," signifying an attack on the nation's physical defenses. This command is part of a divine judgment, but it is a limited one. The invaders are told to destroy but not to "make a full end," indicating a specific and targeted action rather than total annihilation. The reason for this focused destruction is that the city's "battlements... are not the LORD'S" [[Jeremiah 5:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H8284}}` in [[Jeremiah 5:10]] is clarified by several surrounding words:
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount)): This verb initiates the action, commanding the enemy to physically **ascend** or "go ye up" upon the walls to begin the assault [[Jeremiah 5:10]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively); ... destroy): This describes the purpose of ascending the walls—to bring ruin and **destroy** them as an act of judgment.
* `{{H3617}}` **kâlâh** (a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction; ... (full, utter) end): This term qualifies the destruction, clarifying that it should not be a "full end," showing that God's judgment is measured and not absolute in this instance [[Jeremiah 5:10]].
* `{{H5189}}` **nᵉṭîyshâh** (a tendril (as an offshoot); battlement, branch, plant): Used in parallel with **shârâh**, this refers to the **battlements** that are to be taken away because they do not belong to the LORD.
* `{{H5493}}` **çûwr** (to turn off (literal or figurative); ... take (away, off)): This is the specific action to be taken against the battlements, to **take away** the parts of the fortification that are not the LORD's.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8284}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
* **False Security:** The **wall** represents the human-made security in which Judah trusted. The command to attack it demonstrates that physical fortifications are worthless when a people's allegiance is not to the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** The action against the **walls** is not a random act of war but a direct command from God. He uses an enemy force to **destroy** `{{H7843}}` the defenses of His people as a form of discipline.
* **Discriminating Justice:** The instruction to not make a "full end" `{{H3617}}` but to specifically remove the battlements `{{H5189}}` shows that God's judgment is precise. He targets the source of rebellion and false pride, not to annihilate, but to correct.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H8284}}` is a word with minimal occurrences, its singular context in [[Jeremiah 5:10]] provides a profound lesson. It transforms the concept of a **wall** from a symbol of strength into a symbol of misplaced trust. The verse illustrates that true security does not come from physical fortifications but from allegiance to the LORD, and that even in judgment, God's actions are measured and purposeful.
TRV