Lexical Summary charab: To be dry, to be desolate, to lay waste Original Word: חֲרַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance destroy (Aramaic) a root corresponding to charab; to demolish -- destroy. see HEBREW charab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a root corresponding to chareb Definition to be a waste NASB Translation laid waste (1). Topical Lexicon Root and Semantic Range The term חֲרַב (Strong’s 2718) belongs to a linguistic family that conveys ruin or devastation. While its verbal counterpart often describes laying waste to land or lives, the noun in Ezra 4:15 focuses on the concrete effect—“harm” or “damage”—that turmoil brings upon rulers and regions. Biblical Occurrence Ezra 4:15 is the sole canonical appearance: “…this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces; it has been a place of sedition from ancient times, which is why this city was destroyed” (Berean Standard Bible). Here, חֲרַב labels Jerusalem as a source of political injury. The accusers charge that the city’s history of uprising has repeatedly inflicted “harm” on imperial interests. Historical Context of Ezra 4:15 1. Political Climate: Persian policy typically encouraged subject peoples to rebuild local temples, yet regional opponents feared the resurgence of Jewish autonomy. Theological Themes • Human Opposition to Divine Purposes: חֲרַב illustrates how worldly powers reinterpret God’s covenant community as a public menace (John 11:48). Intertextual Connections Although 2718 occurs only once, related verbs and nouns broaden its theological weight: These passages frame devastation not merely as political loss but as spiritual consequence, reinforcing Ezra’s portrayal of ruin and recovery. Ministry Implications 1. Apologetic Readiness: Modern believers may face similar mischaracterizations. Ezra 4 teaches researching history, engaging authorities respectfully, and trusting God’s timing. Christological and Eschatological Considerations Jerusalem’s pattern—destruction, reproach, and ultimate vindication—foreshadows the Messiah, rejected as “harmful” (Luke 23:2) yet vindicated in resurrection. The term חֲרַב thus points forward to the day when the “Holy City, New Jerusalem” descends without possibility of ruin (Revelation 21:2, 27), forever silencing every charge of harm against God’s redeemed community. Forms and Transliterations הָֽחָרְבַֽת׃ החרבת׃ hā·ḥā·rə·ḇaṯ HachareVat hāḥārəḇaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:15 HEB: קִרְיְתָ֥א דָ֖ךְ הָֽחָרְבַֽת׃ NAS: therefore that city was laid waste. KJV: cause was this city destroyed. INT: city was this was laid 1 Occurrence |
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