The Usage of éÁâß (shaman) in the Old Testament

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The Old Testament (OT) has been interpreted in various ways, presenting a unique understanding of the meaning behind each verse and passage. Accordingly, the word éÁâß (shaan) is used 22 times in the OT and has a dissimilar significance in most of the verses. To comprehend the importance of shaan, one should consider both how it is translated and what intention it has in NAS (New American Standard), KJS (King James Bible), and INT (New International Version). The connotation of shaan can be perceived as describing a movement or expressing belief, or having another implication and is employed unusually in Judges 16:26.

In several English interpretations of Genesis 18:4, the word shaan is rephrased as rest. The context of the verse is that Abraham is visited by three men, among whom is Lord, and Abraham rushes to offer the guests to wash their feet and relax while he brings them bread. Abrahams attitude shows his hospitality towards the strangers, and shaan here represents Abrahams readiness to assist the visitors and make them feel comfortable.

In Numbers 21:15, shaan is translated as lean in NAS and INT and as lieth in KJV. The chapter describes the journey of the children of Israel, and the fifteenth verse illustrates their location as the Israelites travel through the Arnon wilderness. Accordingly, the word shaan here is utilized to explain that the stream of the brooks that leads to the dwelling of Ar lies along the border of Moab.

In three interpretations of 2 Samuel 1:6, shaan is used as lean, but unlike in the above-discussed verse, it refers to ones stance rather than location. The chapters context is of how a man who escaped from the camp of Israel tells David that he killed Saul as the latter asked while leaning on his spear, trying not to fall. Here, shaan is employed to describe a persons attempt to stand.

In 2 Kings 5:18, shaan is utilized as lean and illustrates a body movement. The chapter explains how Naaman, an army commander with leprosy from Syria, goes to Israel to be cured of his disease and meets Elisha, a man of God. At first, Naaman is angry with Elishas advice, but once his flesh gets better, Naaman pledges his loyalty to God in Israel. However, the soldier asks Elisha for pardon because when Naaman returns home, his master will lean on Naamans hand, and the two will bow in the house of Rimmon. Accordingly, the word shaan describes a gesture but can also be associated with obedience and forgiveness.

In both 2 Kings 7:2 and 2 Kings 7:17, shaan is translated as lean and is used to depict a stance. The chapter concerns Elishas prediction and interactions with the king of Israel. In the former verse, shaan is used to show how the king of Israel relies on the hand of one of his lords who questions Elishas prophecy. In the latter verse, shaan is employed to explain that the king appointed the same lord on whose hand the ruler leaned to be in charge of the city gate. Consequently, while the two instances do not give a particularly special meaning to shaan, it is utilized first in the context of disbelief and then in an atmosphere of faith.

2 Chronicles 13:18, shaan is interpreted as trust in NAS and INT and as rely upon in KJV. The verse is within the chapter that illustrates the conflict between Abijah, monarch of Judah, and Jeroboam, ruler of Israel. Abijah addresses the Israelites and condemns them for having forsaken the Lord. Nonetheless, the Israel troops do not listen to Abijah and attack their opponents, but the sons of Judah prevail because they rely upon and trust their God. Accordingly, shaan has distinct translations but reflects a sense of belief.

Similar to the above-discussed verse, NAS and INT translate shaan as trust in 2 Chronicles 14:11, whereas KJV uses rest. The chapter tells about the reign of Abijahs son Asa and his accomplishments provided by the Lord. When Asa is confronted by Zerah the Ethiopian, Asa begs God for help because the people rest on and trust their Lord in the face of danger. As God aids Asa and his army, the word shaan here is utilized to resemble faith.

Shaan is employed several times throughout 2 Chronicles 16 and is interpreted as rely on and lean on. The context of the chapter is the conflict between Asa and Benhadad, king of Syria, against Baasha, monarch of Israel. In Chronicles 16:7, Asa is criticized for asking for the assistance of another human being rather than putting trust in God. In Chronicles 16:8, Asa is reminded that his previous triumphs were because he confided in the Lord. Consequently, all shaans translations are used to suggest that one must believe in God before anything or anyone else.

In Job 8:15, shaan is interpreted as trust by NAS and INT and as lean on by KJV. The verse is within the speech of Bildad the Shuhite, who talks about the importance of believing in God and what happens to those who forget about the Lord. Here, shaan is used to explain that those without faith in God cannot rely on anything and will not succeed. Similarly, Job 24:23 utilizes shaan to demonstrate how the Lord treats people who act wrong, although the word is translated as support and rest. The verse suggests that the Lord always has His eye upon everyone, including the mighty, who may feel secure but are never overlooked. While shaan in Job 8:15 symbolizes the significance of godliness, in Job 24:23, the word implies that all are accountable in the face of the Lord.

Shaan is phrased as lean on in Proverbs 3:5 in the context of preachment. The verse advises trusting in God wholeheartedly instead of relying on ones own knowledge. Accordingly, shaan here is used to show that the Lords will is more meaningful and comes with more blessings than an individuals judgment about life. Furthermore, shaan is employed in Isaiah 10:20 as rely on and stay upon in the context of describing Gods power. The chapter depicts what the Lord can do to those who angry Him, and the verse states that eventually, people will not confide in someone who strokes them down but will believe only in God.

In Isaiah 30:12 and Isaiah 31:1, shaan is translated as rely on and stay one. The former verse is a part of the speech of the Holy One of Israel addressed to those who refuse the Lords instruction. Accordingly, shaan here is utilized to represent a warning to people who turn to oppression and perverseness. Likewise, in Isaiah 31:1, shaan is used to condemn those who rely on their horses but do not ask for Gods help. In both cases, shaan represents preachment for individuals who do not consider the Lord.

The word shaan is interpreted as rely on and stay upon in Isaiah 50:10. Here, shaan is employed to suggest that those who walk in the dark and have no light must continue their journey with belief in God. Consequently, the purpose of shaan in the verse is to symbolize that people who depend on the Lord should not be afraid because He will not abandon them.

In Ezekiel 29:7, shaan is translated as lean and is used to accuse and warn. The chapters context is a prophecy to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who has wronged people and angered God. The word shaan here is utilized to depict Pharaohs deficiency by stating that when people relied upon him, he broke and harmed others. Accordingly, the verse implies that trusting in anyone except the Lord is faulty.

Shaan is phrased as lean on and lean upon and employed within the context of preachment. The verse proposes that leaders who judge for reward, priests who teach for a price, and prophets who tell fortunes for money are all likely to rely on God if they feel endangered. Accordingly, the word shaan is used to resemble insincerity and suggest that some people may intentionally turn to the Lord and ask for aid when they do not deserve forgiveness.

Finally, in Judges 16:26, shaan is interpreted as lean, and the context is that of when Samson is captured by the Philistines and forced to entertain a crowd. In the verse, Samson asks a servant to help him lean against the pillars of a temple. While the word shaan is utilized to describe a body movement for Samson to stay on his feet, Samson begins to pray in the position, thus associating shaan with asking for Gods support. In comparison, the lean is different from those in Numbers 21:15, which describes a location, or in 2 Samuel 1:6, 2 Kings 5:18, and 2 Kings 7:2, which illustrate a stance but without divine significance. Moreover, in 2 Chronicles 16, Job 8:15, or Ezekiel 29:7, the lean resembles disapproval, whereas, in Judges 16:26, the connotation of shaan represents devotion to the Lord.

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