The Hebrew word shâraq, represented by H8319, is a primitive root meaning to be shrill, i.e. to whistle or hiss. It appears 12 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible. While its core meaning relates to a sharp sound, its biblical usage is sharply divided between two opposing purposes: as a divine summons or call, and as an expression of scornful derision toward those who have been judged.
In the biblical narrative, H8319 is used in contexts of both divine action and human reaction. God is depicted as hissing to summon armies from afar to act as his instruments of judgment (Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 7:18). In a powerful display of redemptive reversal, the LORD also promises to hiss for His scattered people to gather them after He has redeemed them Zechariah 10:8. Conversely, the most common use of the word is to describe the reaction of onlookers to a city or person brought to ruin. Passersby hiss at the desolation of Jerusalem Lamentations 2:15, Edom Jeremiah 49:17, and Babylon Jeremiah 50:13 in astonishment and contempt.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context surrounding the act of hissing:
- H8322 shᵉrêqâh (a derision; hissing): This is the noun form derived from shâraq, often used in parallel to describe the result of judgment. A city is made "an hissing" to signify its complete disgrace and ruin Jeremiah 19:8.
- H8074 shâmêm (to stun... make amazed, be astonied): This word is frequently paired with H8319 to describe the awe-struck horror of those who witness divine judgment. They are first "astonished" and then they "hiss" at the downfall of the temple 1 Kings 9:8 or a great city Jeremiah 50:13.
- H5128 nûwaʻ (to waver... wag): This term describes a physical gesture of contempt that often accompanies hissing. Enemies of Jerusalem would not only hiss but also wag their heads to mock its destruction Lamentations 2:15.
- H6908 qâbats (to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble): Contrasting with its negative connotations, H8319 is used with qâbats in a redemptive sense, where the Lord's "hiss" serves as a call to gather His people Zechariah 10:8.
The theological weight of H8319 is found in its dramatic portrayal of God's sovereign control over judgment and salvation.
- A Summons for Judgment: The act of hissing is used to depict God's ability to summon nations as instruments of His will. He can hiss for an army from the end of the earth, and it will come swiftly to execute His purposes Isaiah 5:26.
- The Contempt of Onlookers: Hissing serves as the ultimate sign of disgrace. It is the prophesied reaction of those who see the mighty brought low by God's hand, confirming the completeness of the judgment (1 Kings 9:8, Jeremiah 19:8).
- A Call to Restoration: In a stunning turn, the very sound associated with judgment becomes a signal for restoration. God's "hiss" for His redeemed people demonstrates that His power to gather is just as absolute as His power to scatter Zechariah 10:8.
In summary, H8319 is a dynamic word that encapsulates the opposing themes of divine judgment and sovereign restoration. It is more than a simple sound; it is a signal of command and a reaction of contempt. The use of shâraq illustrates that God can employ the same signal to summon armies for discipline and to call His redeemed children home, highlighting His ultimate authority over the fate of nations and the salvation of His people.
TRV