### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **bᵉhîylûw**, represented by `{{H924}}`, is an adverb meaning **hastily** or **in haste**. Derived from a root word signifying a hurry, its usage is extremely specific. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical record, always functioning as an adverb to describe swift action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single instance of `{{H924}}` is found in [[Ezra 4:23]]. In this passage, the word describes the immediate reaction of Rehum, Shimshai, and their companions upon reading a letter from King Artaxerxes. They "went up **in haste** to Jerusalem" to confront the Jews. The term highlights the urgency and speed with which they moved to enforce the king's decree, which was to stop the rebuilding effort through "force and power".
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Ezra 4:23]] clarify the meaning and impact of **bᵉhîylûw**:
* `{{H236}}` **ʼăzal** (go (up)): This is the verb of motion that `{{H924}}` directly modifies. The phrase "they went up **in haste**" links the act of departure with a sense of urgency and purpose [[Ezra 4:23]].
* `{{H153}}` **ʼedrâʻ** (force): This word describes the method used after the hasty journey. The opponents acted "by **force**," connecting the speed of their arrival to the coercive nature of their actions [[Ezra 4:23]].
* `{{H2429}}` **chayil** (power): Appearing alongside `{{H153}}`, this term further emphasizes the strength behind the opposition. The haste was to quickly bring overwhelming **power** to bear against the Jews' work [[Ezra 4:23]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H924}}` is found in its narrative function within the historical account of Ezra.
* **Urgency in Opposition:** The word underscores the immediate and hostile response of adversaries to the work taking place in Jerusalem. The haste is not neutral but a key element of the plan to obstruct the rebuilding [[Ezra 4:23]].
* **Execution of Earthly Authority:** The hasty action is a direct result of a decree from an earthly king. It demonstrates how swiftly human commands can be carried out, in this instance to thwart the efforts of God's people.
* **A Prelude to Coercion:** The word is contextually linked to the use of "force `{{H153}}` and power `{{H2429}}`". This pairing shows that the haste was not just about speed but was the initial step in an aggressive and forceful confrontation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H924}}` is a rare Aramaic adverb that, in its single appearance, powerfully conveys a sense of urgent and hostile action. Used in [[Ezra 4:23]], it defines the swiftness with which opponents moved to stop the rebuilding in Jerusalem. Its context connects this haste directly to the execution of a royal command and the subsequent use of force, illustrating how a simple adverb can characterize the entire nature of a pivotal event.
TRV