The Hebrew word bâzar, represented by H967, is a primitive root meaning to disperse or scatter. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses, yet its uses illustrate a powerful action of breaking apart and distributing.
The two appearances of H967 provide distinct contexts for the act of scattering. In Psalms, it is a plea for divine intervention, asking God to scatter the people who delight in war Psalms 68:30. Here, scattering is a means of bringing about peace by dismantling hostile forces. In Daniel, the word describes the actions of a powerful ruler who will enter a province and scatter prey, spoil, and riches among his followers, a strategic move his ancestors had not made Daniel 11:24.
Several related words help clarify the context in which scattering occurs:
- H5971 ʻam (people): This word, meaning a congregated unit or nation, identifies the target of scattering in Psalms 68:30. The desire is to disperse the people who find pleasure in conflict.
- H961 bizzâh (prey, spoil): This word for booty is what the ruler in Daniel scatters among his people Daniel 11:24. It represents the material wealth gained through conquest that is then dispersed.
- H1605 gâʻar (to chide; rebuke, reprove): This term is used in parallel with scattering in Psalms 68:30. The verse calls on God to first rebuke the enemy forces and then to scatter them, linking the act of dispersal with divine judgment and authority.
The theological significance of H967 is found in its contrasting applications:
- Divine Peacemaking: The call to scatter those who delight in war presents dispersal as an act of divine justice. It is a method God uses to dismantle assemblies of wickedness and bring an end to conflict Psalms 68:30.
- Human Political Strategy: In Daniel, the scattering of riches is a worldly tactic. A ruler disperses spoil to secure loyalty and demonstrate unprecedented power, highlighting how the act can be used for earthly gain and influence Daniel 11:24.
- Dispersion of Assets: The word is used to describe the scattering of both people and property. In one case, people who are a threat are scattered; in the other, valuable goods like prey H961, spoil H7998, and riches H7399 are distributed.
In summary, bâzar H967 is a specific verb for scattering or dispersing. Though it appears infrequently, its usage powerfully contrasts a divine act of judgment meant to establish peace with a human act of strategy meant to consolidate power. It demonstrates that the same action can carry entirely different meanings based on the motive and the agent performing it.
TRV