### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שְׁרוּקָה (shᵉrûwqâh), Strong's number `{{H8292}}`, is a feminine passive participle derived from the verbal root שָׁרַק (shâraq), `{{H8319}}`. The core meaning of the root שָׁרַק is "to hiss," "to whistle," or "to pipe," denoting the production of a sharp, high-pitched sound. As a passive participle, שְׁרוּקָה literally refers to "that which is whistled" or "a whistling sound." Its semantic range is notably diverse, encompassing:
1. **A sound of scorn or derision:** This is a prominent usage, where whistling or hissing conveys contempt, mockery, or dismissal.
2. **A sound of summoning or calling:** Particularly in a divine context, it can signify a whistle used to gather or attract attention, akin to a shepherd calling his flock or a master summoning servants.
3. **A musical sound (piping):** Though less frequent for `{{H8292}}` itself, the root can refer to the sound of a flute or pipe.
4. **An animal sound (bleating):** In one instance, it describes the sound made by flocks, possibly a low, drawn-out whistle or bleat. The precise nuance is heavily dependent on the surrounding context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שְׁרוּקָה (shᵉrûwqâh) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but each instance offers rich contextual insight into its varied meanings:
* **[[Judges 5:16]]**: "Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks?" Here, the KJV translates "bleatings," while other versions render it "whistlings" or "pipings." In the context of Deborah's song, it refers to the sounds associated with pastoral life, perhaps the sound of a shepherd's pipe or the actual bleating of sheep, indicating a preoccupation with mundane affairs rather than joining the battle. This usage aligns with the "animal sound" aspect.
* **[[Job 27:23]]**: "Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place." In this lament, שְׁרוּקָה is unequivocally used to describe the sound of derision and scorn. It signifies public contempt and expulsion, a harsh judgment meted out by onlookers against the wicked. This highlights the negative, condemnatory aspect of the word.
* **[[Isaiah 5:26]]**: "He will raise a signal for a distant nation and whistle for them from the ends of the earth; and behold, quickly, swiftly, they come!" Here, the "whistle" is a divine summons. God, as the sovereign Lord, whistles for foreign nations (e.g., Assyria or Babylon) to act as His instruments of judgment against Judah. It's a powerful, authoritative call that none can resist.
* **[[Isaiah 7:18]]**: "In that day the LORD will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria." Similar to [[Isaiah 5:26]], this verse depicts God's absolute control over creation and nations. The "whistle" is a divine command, summoning even seemingly insignificant creatures (flies and bees, symbolic of Egyptian and Assyrian armies) to execute His plan.
* **[[Zechariah 10:8]]**: "I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have redeemed them, and they shall be as many as they were before." In stark contrast to the judgment passages in Isaiah, here שְׁרוּקָה signifies a benevolent divine summons. God will whistle to gather His dispersed people, bringing them back to their land in restoration. This demonstrates the word's capacity to convey both judgment and salvation, depending on the divine intent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the verbal root שָׁרַק (shâraq), `{{H8319}}`, from which שְׁרוּקָה is derived. This root appears in various forms and contexts, consistently conveying the idea of a sharp, whistling, or hissing sound.
Concepts related to שְׁרוּקָה include:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Call:** The use of שְׁרוּקָה by God to summon nations (for judgment) or His people (for restoration) underscores His absolute control over history and His ability to achieve His purposes with a mere "whistle."
* **Expressions of Scorn and Contempt:** Alongside clapping of hands or shaking of heads, hissing was a common ancient Near Eastern gesture of derision and public shaming.
* **Pastoral Imagery:** The "bleating" or "whistling" of flocks connects to the shepherd's call and the care of the flock, hinting at God's role as the Great Shepherd.
* **Prophetic Warning and Hope:** The word serves as a powerful metaphor in prophetic literature, signifying both impending doom and future restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׁרוּקָה lies in its paradoxical nature, embodying both divine wrath and divine grace.
On one hand, it represents the sound of **judgment and derision**. When humans hiss at the wicked (Job), it reflects a natural human response to evil. When God "whistles" for nations to execute judgment (Isaiah), it highlights His righteous indignation and His use of even pagan powers as instruments of His will. This "whistle" is an irresistible call to judgment, demonstrating God's awesome power and His commitment to justice.
On the other hand, שְׁרוּקָה also signifies **divine summons and restoration**. In Zechariah, God's whistle is a call of redemption, gathering His scattered people back to Himself. This illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His desire to restore His people, and His tender, shepherd-like care. The simplicity of a "whistle" emphasizes God's effortless omnipotence; He does not need grand displays of power to command armies or gather nations, but can achieve His will with a mere sound. This duality profoundly illustrates the multifaceted character of God, who is both judge and redeemer, sovereign over all creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׁרוּקָה (shᵉrûwqâh, `{{H8292}}`) is a versatile term derived from the root שָׁרַק (shâraq, `{{H8319}}`), signifying a "whistling" or "hissing" sound. Its meaning is profoundly shaped by context, ranging from the mundane bleating of flocks ([[Judges 5:16]]) to the harsh hiss of human scorn ([[Job 27:23]]). Most significantly, it is employed to describe God's powerful and effortless summons: a divine whistle that calls nations to execute His judgment ([[Isaiah 5:26]], [[Isaiah 7:18]]) or, conversely, gathers His redeemed people for restoration ([[Zechariah 10:8]]). This word thus encapsulates both the severity of divine judgment and the tenderness of divine grace, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to achieve His purposes through seemingly simple means.