The Hebrew word bâchal, represented by H973, is a primitive root. It carries a dual meaning: to loath or abhor, but also to get hastily. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses, highlighting its specific and rare usage in the scriptures.
In its two appearances, H973 is used to convey two distinct concepts. In Proverbs, it describes the acquisition of "An inheritance... gotten hastily at the beginning" Proverbs 20:21. Conversely, in Zechariah, it illustrates a deep-seated emotional rejection, where the prophet speaks of a fractured relationship: "...and their soul also abhorred me" Zechariah 11:8. These examples demonstrate the word's application to both tangible actions and intense feelings.
Several related words provide contrast and context to the meanings of H973:
- H1288 bârak: This word means to bless. It stands in direct contrast to the outcome of hasty actions described in Proverbs 20:21, where an inheritance gotten hastily "shall not be blessed".
- H7114 qâtsar: This primitive root means to dock off, i.e. curtail, and can also mean to lothe. It is used in parallel with H973 in Zechariah 11:8, where the prophet's soul first lothed the shepherds before their soul abhorred him, showing a mutual rejection.
The theological significance of H973 is revealed in its two distinct contexts:
- The Principle of Process: In Proverbs 20:21, the act of getting something hastily H973 is set against a final state of not being blessed H1288. This establishes a moral and spiritual principle that improperly or impatiently acquired gains lack divine favor in the end.
- Covenantal Rejection: The use in Zechariah 11:8, where the Lord's representative and the unfaithful shepherds mutually abhor H973 and lothe H7114 one another, signifies a complete breakdown of a covenant relationship. It illustrates the profound nature of spiritual alienation and the consequences of unfaithfulness.
In summary, H973 bâchal, though appearing only twice, provides powerful insight. It illustrates both the negative outcome of impatient, worldly gain and the emotional depth of spiritual rejection. Through its usage, the word underscores key biblical themes: the value of divinely blessed process over haste, and the severe consequences that arise when a covenant relationship between God and his people is broken.
TRV