The Hebrew word bᵉʼâh, represented by H872, refers to an entrance to a building; entry. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its single appearance highly specific and contextually significant.
The sole use of H872 is found in the prophetic visions of Ezekiel. In a vision, God directs the prophet's attention, saying, "lift up H5375 thine eyes H5869 now the way H1870 toward the north H6828" Ezekiel 8:5. Upon obeying, Ezekiel sees "at the gate H8179 of the altar H4196 this image H5566 of jealousy H7068 in the entry H872" Ezekiel 8:5. Here, the word pinpoints the exact location of a profound desecration—an idolatrous image placed at the very entrance associated with worship and sacrifice.
The context of H872 is illuminated by several related words found in its surrounding passage:
- H8179 shaʻar (gate): Defined as "an opening, i.e. door or gate," this word establishes the larger structure where the "entry" is located. The presence of an idol at the gate of the altar signifies a corruption of access to a holy place.
- H4196 mizbêach (altar): The entry is specifically connected to the "altar," the central point of sacrifice and atonement Leviticus 17:11. This highlights the severity of placing an idol at the entrance to such a sacred site.
- H5566 çemel (image): This is the object found "in the entry." Defined as a "likeness; figure, idol, image," its placement is an act of direct provocation, described as the "image of jealousy" Ezekiel 8:5.
- H7068 qinʼâh (jealousy): This word, meaning "jealousy or envy," describes the nature of the idol. The fire of God's "jealousy" is a response to such unfaithfulness Zephaniah 1:18.
Though used only once, the theological weight of H872 comes from its pointed context in Ezekiel's vision.
- Desecration of Sacred Space: The primary significance of H872 is to mark a precise point of sacrilege. An "image of jealousy" Ezekiel 8:5 stands in the "entry," defiling the approach to the "altar" H4196, a place meant for atonement and worship.
- The Provocation of Idolatry: The scene at the "entry" illustrates a direct challenge to God's holiness. This act provokes divine "jealousy" H7068, a theme central to God's covenant relationship with Israel, as His "zeal" will not tolerate rivals Isaiah 9:7.
- Divine Exposure of Sin: God commands Ezekiel to "lift up" H5375 his "eyes" H5869 to witness the sin at the entry. This act demonstrates that nothing is hidden from God's sight and that He will expose sin, even in the most sacred locations.
In summary, bᵉʼâh H872 is a highly specific term whose importance is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context. It denotes the "entry" to the altar's gate, a space that should be holy but is instead shown to be defiled by an "image of jealousy." This single use in Ezekiel 8:5 serves as a stark biblical illustration of idolatry, the desecration of worship, and the certainty of divine judgment against such provocation.
TRV