### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tirgal**, represented by `{{H8637}}`, is a unique verb that means **to cause to walk** or **teach to go**. It appears only 2 times within a single verse in the entire Bible, yet it provides a powerful and intimate image of God's relationship with His people. The word conveys the idea of a parent patiently guiding a toddler's first steps.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{H8637}}` is [[Hosea 11:3]], where God recounts His tender care for Israel, personified as **Ephraim** `{{H669}}`. The verse states, "I **taught** Ephraim also **to go**, taking `{{H3947}}` them by their arms `{{H2220}}`; but they knew `{{H3045}}` not that I healed `{{H7495}}` them." In this passage, God is depicted not as a distant sovereign but as a nurturing parent, intimately involved in the development and support of His child. Despite this gentle guidance, Israel failed to recognize that God was the source of their strength and restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Hosea 11:3]] illuminate the depth of this parental imagery:
* `{{H669}}` **'Ephrayim** (double fruit; Ephrajim): As the recipient of God's instruction, Ephraim represents Israel. This name is elsewhere associated with God's deep affection, as when He calls Ephraim His "dear son" [[Jeremiah 31:20]] and "firstborn" [[Jeremiah 31:9]], establishing the father-child dynamic of the passage.
* `{{H2220}}` **zᵉrôwaʻ** (arm): God's method of teaching involved taking Israel by their **arms**. The **arm** is a frequent biblical metaphor for God's strength and active support, such as the "everlasting **arms**" that provide refuge [[Deuteronomy 33:27]] and the "stretched out **arm**" that delivers His people [[Deuteronomy 4:34]].
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): A key element of the passage is Israel's failure to **know** or recognize God's care. This lack of acknowledgment stands in contrast to the biblical call to **acknowledge** Him in all ways [[Proverbs 3:6]], highlighting a spiritual blindness to His works.
* `{{H7495}}` **râphâʼ** (to cure; heal): The unrecognized result of God's guidance was healing. This connects to God's fundamental character as the one who **heals** the brokenhearted [[Psalms 147:3]] and promises to **heal** His people and their land if they turn to Him [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8637}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage:
* **Divine Tenderness:** The word gives a vivid picture of God's gentle and nurturing character. It shows that His guidance is not merely a command but a patient, hands-on process, like a parent who **teaches to go**.
* **Relational Guidance:** God’s instruction is deeply personal, described as "taking them by their **arms**" [[Hosea 11:3]]. This action models a relationship built on divine support, which stands in stark contrast to the curse on the one who makes flesh his **arm** [[Jeremiah 17:5]].
* **Spiritual Blindness:** The verse poignantly captures the tragedy of Israel's inability to perceive God's healing presence. This failure to **know** Him as their healer, despite His intimate care, underscores a central biblical theme of humanity's need for faith to recognize divine action.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8637}}` is far more than a rare verb; it is a profound metaphor for the divine-human relationship. Through its solitary appearance in [[Hosea 11:3]], it encapsulates a story of God's loving-kindness, portraying Him as a parent who patiently **teaches to go**, supports with His **arms**, and offers a **healing** that tragically goes unrecognized. This one word carries immense theological weight, illustrating God's tender love and the sorrow of His unrequited care.
TRV