Lexical Summary hamullah: Uproar, tumult, commotion Original Word: הֲמֻלּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance speech, tumult Or (too fully) hamuwllah (Jer. 11:l6 see HEBREW 'ebeh The noun הֲמֻלָּה occurs twice, each time evoking an overwhelming, resonant noise. In Jeremiah 11:16 it is “a mighty roar” consuming a once-fruitful olive tree; in Ezekiel 1:24 it is “the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army.” Both contexts place the word in scenes of divine activity—either judgment or revelation—underscoring that הֲמֻלָּה signals the presence of God’s irresistible power. Literary Imagery 1. Auditory Shock: The term conveys not a gentle breeze but an earsplitting, attention-commanding surge. It parallels “many waters” and “army,” inviting readers to imagine thunderous surf or massed troops. Theological Significance • Divine Sovereignty: הֲמֻלָּה symbolizes the unstoppable authority of the LORD. Whether uprooting covenant-breaking Judah or unveiling celestial glory, the effect is immediate submission before the Creator. Prophetic Context Jeremiah 11:16 situates the roar amid a covenant lawsuit. Israel’s “leafy olive tree” status is revoked because of idolatry. The roar heralds Babylon’s advance, yet ultimately issues from God Himself, revealing who truly directs history (Jeremiah 25:8-9). Ezekiel 1:24 introduces the prophet’s inaugural vision. The four living creatures and the wheels present a mobile throne-chariot, and their collective sound dramatizes the LORD’s omnipresence. The roar therefore validates Ezekiel’s call to preach among exiles who wondered if God had abandoned Israel. Application for Ministry and Worship • Preaching: הֲמֻלָּה cautions against domesticated portraits of God. Sermons should preserve the tension between grace and holy dread, calling hearers to covenant fidelity. New Testament Echoes Revelation 1:15 and Revelation 19:6 adopt similar language: “His voice was like the roar of many waters,” and “the roar of a great multitude.” John thereby links Jesus Christ to the Old Testament theophanies, affirming continuity between covenants. Summary הֲמֻלָּה encapsulates the thunderous self-disclosure of God, confronting sin, commissioning prophets, and assuring the church that the LORD still speaks with a roar that none can silence. Englishman's Concordance Jeremiah 11:16 HEB: שְׁמֵ֑ךְ לְק֣וֹל ׀ הֲמוּלָּ֣ה גְדֹלָ֗ה הִצִּ֥ית NAS: of a great tumult He has kindled KJV: of a great tumult he hath kindled INT: your name the noise tumult of a great has kindled Ezekiel 1:24 2 Occurrences |