Lexical Summary chagavim: Locusts Original Word: חֲגָו Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cleft From an unused root meaning to take refuge; a rift in rocks -- cleft. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition places of concealment, retreats NASB Translation clefts (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חֲגָוִים] noun masculine plural places of concealment, retreats, as abode of dove יוֺנָתִי בְּחַגְוֵי הַסֶּלַע Songs 2:14 (in metaphor); also, hyperbole, as abode of Edom (ה)סלע ׳שֹׁכְנִּי בח Jeremiah 49:16; Obadiah 3.. חגל (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Scope of the Termחֲגָו designates a fissure, crevice, or cleft in rock formations—naturally carved recesses that provide concealment or refuge. In Scripture the noun is always plural in form and literal in geography, yet the contexts invest it with rich symbolic value, alternately conveying tender protection and misplaced human confidence. Canonical Occurrences 1. Song of Solomon 2:14 These references divide naturally between poetry (Song of Solomon) and prophecy (Jeremiah, Obadiah). Together they trace a theological arc from loving sanctuary to humbled arrogance. Song of Solomon 2:14 – Clefts as Intimate Refuge “O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places of the cliffs, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” Here the clefts shelter the bride, portraying security, modesty, and inaccessibility. The lover’s invitation implies that true communion requires the beloved’s willing self-disclosure. Devotionally, the verse illustrates how the Lord woos His people out of cautious hiddenness into open fellowship, assuring safety even as He calls for vulnerability. Jeremiah 49:16 & Obadiah 1:3 – Clefts as False Security Jeremiah, and later Obadiah, address the people of Edom, whose strongholds in the red sandstone heights of Seir (notably Petra) seemed impregnable. “The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rocks… Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 49:16 “The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights—who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’” Obadiah 1:3 What had served the bride as a place of endearment and safety now images Edom’s arrogance. The same topographical feature that suggests protection from enemies exposes the sin of trusting created structures rather than the Creator. Historical Background Archaeology confirms that Edom’s centers were built high in narrow ravines and cliff faces. The Nabatean city of Petra, later than Jeremiah but occupying the same terrain, vividly exemplifies the sort of natural defenses these prophets envisioned. Contemporary observers considered such cities virtually untakeable. The prophetic oracles invert that consensus: divine judgment penetrates even stone fortresses. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Geography Physical advantages do not limit God’s reach. He “breaks the gates of bronze” (Psalm 107:16) and enters the most secluded clefts. 2. True Versus False Refuge Scripture elsewhere extols God Himself as “my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 18:2). When people replace Him with literal rocks, the reversal of safety is inevitable. 3. Humility and Dependence The contrast between the bride’s humble hiding and Edom’s haughty perching embodies James 4:6, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Ministry Implications • Pastoral counseling: Encourage believers who self-protect through withdrawal to hear Christ’s gentle call out of the cleft, assuring them that He provides the ultimate refuge. Summary חֲגָו illustrates the dual reality of every created shelter: it can either host intimate communion under God’s blessing or foster hubris under His judgment. Wisdom discerns the difference and chooses to hide in the Rock that is higher than we are (Psalm 61:2). Forms and Transliterations בְּחַגְוֵ֣י בְחַגְוֵי־ בחגוי בחגוי־ bə·ḥaḡ·wê ḇə·ḥaḡ·wê- bechagVei bəḥaḡwê ḇəḥaḡwê- vechagveiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 2:14 HEB: יוֹנָתִ֞י בְּחַגְוֵ֣י הַסֶּ֗לַע בְּסֵ֙תֶר֙ NAS: O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, KJV: O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, INT: my dove the clefts of the rock the secret Jeremiah 49:16 Obadiah 1:3 3 Occurrences |
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, hobble, hop, whence 
partridge, compare Syriac 
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