Huzzab is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Nahum. The reference to Huzzab appears in Nahum 2:7 , which states: "It is decreed: She will be exiled, carried away. Her handmaids moan like the sound of doves, beating their breasts." The context of this passage is a prophetic declaration concerning the fall of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire.

Etymology and Interpretation

The Hebrew word "Huzzab" (חוּצָב) has been the subject of various interpretations and translations. Some scholars suggest that it may be a proper name, possibly referring to a queen or a symbolic representation of Nineveh itself. Others propose that it is a verb meaning "established" or "fixed," indicating the city's previous stability and security before its impending downfall.

The Berean Standard Bible, like many other translations, does not treat "Huzzab" as a proper noun but rather as part of the description of Nineveh's fate. This reflects the broader scholarly consensus that the term is more likely descriptive rather than a personal name.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Nahum is a prophetic text that focuses on the judgment and destruction of Nineveh. Written in the 7th century BC, Nahum's prophecy came during a time when Assyria was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples, including the northern kingdom of Israel.

Nineveh, as the capital, was a symbol of Assyrian might and opulence. The prophecy against Nineveh, including the mention of Huzzab, serves as a divine pronouncement of justice against a city and empire that had long been seen as oppressive and wicked.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of Huzzab in Nahum underscores the theme of divine justice and sovereignty. The fall of Nineveh is portrayed as an act of God's judgment against a sinful and arrogant nation. The imagery of Huzzab, whether as a personification of the city or a description of its fate, highlights the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over the nations.

The prophecy serves as a reminder to the people of God that no empire, regardless of its strength, can withstand the righteous judgment of the Lord. It also offers hope to the oppressed, assuring them that God is aware of their suffering and will act in His time to bring about justice and deliverance.

Conclusion

While the exact meaning of Huzzab remains a topic of debate, its inclusion in the book of Nahum contributes to the overall message of the text: the certainty of God's judgment against wickedness and the assurance of His justice for the faithful.Huzzab

molten

Huzzab

(fixed), according to the general opinion of the Jews, was the queen of Nineveh at the time when Nahum delivered his prophecy. (Nahum 2:7) (B.C. about 700.) The moderns follow the rendering in the margin of our English Bible --"that which was established." Still it is not improbable that after all Huzzab may really be a proper name. It may mean "the Zab country," or the fertile tract east of the Tigris, watered by the upper and lower Zab rivers.

HUZZAB

huz'-ab (hutstsabh, only in Nahum 2:7 the King James Version and the Revised Version margin): Its meaning is doubtful. According to Gesenius, it is a verb, Hoph. of tsabhabh, "flow," hence, to be rendered with preceding verse, "The palace is dissolved and made to flow down." Wordsworth made it Pual of natsabh, "fix": "The palace is dissolved, though established." Septuagint renders with the next word, he hupostasis apokaluphthe, "The foundation (or treasure) is uncovered." the King James Version, the Revised Version margin and the American Standard Revised Version text make it Hoph. of natsabh, "fix," hence, "It is decreed." Perhaps more probably, with the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) text and the American Revised Version margin, it is a name, or noun with the article (or the corruption of such a word), referring either to the Assyrian queen, or personifying Nineveh. No such queen is now known, but Assyriology may throw light. The "name" interpretation accords best with the general trend of the passage, which describes the discomfiture of a royal personage. BDB calls it "perhaps textual error." The Massoretic vocalization may be at fault.

Philip Wendell Crannell

Nahum's Doom of Nineveh
... The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved: And Huzzab is
uncovered; she is carried away; And her handmaids mourn as with the voice of ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/xi nahums doom of nineveh.htm

The Son is of one Substance with the Father. ...
... Et miles captivus adductus est." RV--"The gates of the rivers are opened and the
palace is dissolved, and Huzzab is uncovered, and it is decreed; she is ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv the son is.htm

Huzzab (1 Occurrence)
...HUZZAB. huz'-ab (hutstsabh, only in Nahum 2:7 the King James Version and the Revised
Version margin): Its meaning is doubtful. ...Huzzab (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/huzzab.htm - 8k

Tabering (1 Occurrence)
... Nahum 2:7 And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her
maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts. ...
/t/tabering.htm - 6k

Hyacinth (1 Occurrence)

/h/hyacinth.htm - 7k

Huzoth (1 Occurrence)

/h/huzoth.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus