Lexical Summary chanamel: frost Original Word: חֲנָמָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance frost Of uncertain derivation; perhaps the aphis or plantlouse -- frost. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps frost NASB Translation frost (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חֲנָמֵל] noun [masculine] only בַּחֲנָמַ֑ל Psalm 78:47 (on form see DrSm p. 98) as instrument of destroying sycomores ("" בָּרָד); meaning conjectural; ᵐ5 ᵑ9 frost. Topical Lexicon Definition and Range of Meaning The term חֲנָמָל denotes a destructive, icy precipitation—rendered “sleet” or “frost”—that strikes vegetation with penetrating cold. Though meteorologically distinct from hail, it is coupled with hail in the single biblical occurrence, underscoring the severity of God-sent weather judgments. Occurrence and Literary Setting Psalm 78:47 is the only place where חֲנָמָל appears: “He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet.” (Berean Standard Bible) The psalmist is recounting the plagues God unleashed upon Egypt. Verses 43-51 telescope the narrative of Exodus 7–12, highlighting divine power and covenant faithfulness. The mention of vines and sycamore-figs points to staple crops of the Nile Delta, emphasizing the economic devastation that accompanied Pharaoh’s hardened heart. Historical Background 1. Agricultural Vulnerability in the Nile Valley A sudden barrage of hail followed by piercing sleet would split branches, strip leaves, and ruin fruit, leaving Egyptians without key commodities. Archaeological reliefs from New Kingdom tombs depict grape and fig cultivation, aligning with the biblical portrayal of their loss. 2. Climatic Contrast Hailstorms are rare in Lower Egypt; sleet rarer still. Their appearance in Exodus 9 and Psalm 78 accentuates a miraculous intervention rather than a seasonal anomaly. Theological Significance 1. Sovereign Control of Nature The God who created seasons can suspend or intensify them at will, wielding cold as an instrument of judgment or blessing (Genesis 8:22). 2. Judgment and Mercy Woven Together Psalm 78 alternates between recounting rebellion (verses 17, 32, 56) and divine compassion (verses 38-39). חֲנָמָל stands within a litany of signs aimed at softening hardened hearts. Even in wrath, God’s goal is redemptive: “that they should set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:7). 3. Covenant Remembrance The Psalmist speaks to Israel centuries after the Exodus, urging a new generation to remember YHWH’s acts. The unique vocabulary (introducing חֲנָמָל) grabs attention, refreshing the collective memory of God’s mighty deeds. Lessons for Ministry and Christian Living 1. Proclaim the Whole Counsel of God Ministers are called to declare both the “kindness and severity” (Romans 11:22) of the Lord. חֲנָמָל illustrates severity; the same passage (Psalm 78:52-54) moves swiftly to kindness as God shepherds His people to safety. 2. Warn of Spiritual Frostbite Just as vines wither under sleet, hearts grow numb under persistent sin (Hebrews 3:13). The imagery invites pastoral application: urge repentance before spiritual vitality is frozen. 3. Encourage Trust Amid Climate-Related Trials Modern believers face floods, droughts, and storms. Psalm 78 reminds them that God remains Lord over every weather pattern and over every crisis those patterns may bring. Related Biblical Imagery • Hail: Exodus 9:22-26; Isaiah 28:2; Revelation 16:21 Together these texts frame cold precipitation as a sign of divine intervention, whether corrective or protective. Christological and Eschatological Echoes Just as Egypt’s vines and figs were smitten, the Messiah willingly endured the “frost” of divine wrath so that His people might enjoy the true vine’s fruit (John 15:1). Revelation envisions future judgments employing hail-and-fire motifs, reminding the Church that redemption history moves toward consummation. Summary חֲנָמָל, though recorded only once, enriches biblical theology by: Its icy blast continues to thaw complacent hearts, directing them to the warmth of divine mercy revealed fully in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations בַּֽחֲנָמַֽל׃ בחנמל׃ ba·ḥă·nā·mal BachanaMal baḥănāmalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 78:47 HEB: גַּפְנָ֑ם וְ֝שִׁקְמוֹתָ֗ם בַּֽחֲנָמַֽל׃ NAS: And their sycamore trees with frost. KJV: and their sycomore trees with frost. INT: their vines and their sycamore frost 1 Occurrence |
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