Lexical Summary tsalal: grew dark, shade Original Word: צָלַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance begin to be dark, shadowing A primitive root (identical with tsalal through the idea of hovering over (compare tselem)); to shade, as twilight or an opaque object -- begin to be dark, shadowing. see HEBREW tsalal see HEBREW tselem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be or grow dark NASB Translation grew dark (1), shade (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs III. [צָלַל] verb be or grow dark (compare Arabic  be black,  shade; Ethiopic  be dark; Assyrian ƒillu, shade, ƒalâlu, Pi`elroof over, so Sabean טֿלל [II.], טלת ceiling, roof, HomChrest. 125, compare Palmyrene תטלילא; Old Aramaic טלל overshadow, Aramaic טְלָלָא,  shadow); — Qal Perfect3plural צָֽלְלוּ שַׁעֲרֵי ׳יְר Nehemiah 13:19 the gates of Jerusalem grew dark, i.e. evening came on. Hiph`il Participle חֹרֶשׁ מֵצַל Ezekiel 31:3 a shadowing wood (but strike out ᵐ5. Co Toy Krae). Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Semantic Range צָלַל presents the picture of deepening shade—either the gradual dimming that precedes nightfall or the cool, protective shadow cast by something tall and expansive. The idea moves from the impersonal turning of daylight toward dusk to the active bestowal of cover. Occurrences and Literary Setting 1. Nehemiah 13:19 – the dimming light at Jerusalem’s gates points to Sabbath readiness. Nehemiah 13:19 – Sabbath Vigilance at Dusk Nehemiah describes the moment “when the shades began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath”. The verb highlights the exact threshold between secular labor and sacred rest. Nehemiah’s decisive command to close the gates once the light wanes underscores reverence for God’s statute (Exodus 20:8–11) and shows practical obedience: the community must discern the signs of evening and respond promptly. צָלַל therefore marks a boundary—physical and spiritual—where covenant faithfulness is tested. Ezekiel 31:3 – Imperial Grandeur and Its Shade Through Ezekiel, the Lord likens Assyria to “a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches and forest shade”. The tree’s צָלַל provides extensive cover, a metaphor for imperial protection, economic flourishing, and cultural reach. Yet the chapter swiftly turns to judgment; Assyria’s magnificent shadow cannot shield it from divine retribution. צָלַל here becomes a foil: human might offers shade that dazzles, yet proves temporary when opposed to God’s sovereignty (Ezekiel 31:10–14). Theological Themes Protection: Shade evokes the sheltering presence God grants His people (Psalm 91:1; Isaiah 25:4). Time and Transition: The dimming of light sets liturgical rhythms (Genesis 1:5; Leviticus 23:32). Impermanence of Earthly Power: Assyria’s shade is vast yet collapses, contrasting with the everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44). Ministry Implications Sabbath Discernment: Congregations may draw from Nehemiah’s vigilance, cultivating habits that recognize the “shadows” signaling weekly rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9). Spiritual Cover vs. Counterfeit Shade: Leaders should distinguish genuine refuge in God from the fleeting shelter of worldly systems, guiding believers to “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Teaching on Humility: Ezekiel’s image cautions against boasting in expansive influence; ministries flourish only while rooted in dependence on the Lord. Typological and Prophetic Glimpses The onset of evening before Sabbath anticipates the restful consummation believers will enjoy in the new creation (Revelation 21:23–25). The cedar’s fallen shade foreshadows every kingdom that exalts itself against Christ, reminding the Church that all nations ultimately serve His purpose (Revelation 11:15). Related Biblical Motifs • Divine overshadowing (Exodus 13:21–22; Luke 1:35) Summary צָלַל captures both the quiet hush before sacred rest and the sweeping protection of great authority. Its limited appearances sharpen two enduring lessons: honor God’s appointed times and trust His shelter above every towering, yet temporary, human shade. Forms and Transliterations מֵצַ֖ל מצל צָֽלֲלוּ֩ צללו mê·ṣal mêṣal meTzal ṣā·lă·lū ṣālălū tzalaLuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 13:19 HEB: וַיְהִ֡י כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר צָֽלֲלוּ֩ שַׁעֲרֵ֨י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם NAS: about that just as it grew dark at the gates KJV: of Jerusalem began to be dark before INT: came it grew the gates of Jerusalem Ezekiel 31:3 2 Occurrences |
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