שַׁל

שַׁל

a fault

Definition

The Hebrew noun שַׁל (shal) denotes a 'fault' or 'error,' specifically a moral or religious failing. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 6:7, where it describes the offense for which God struck down Uzzah. In this context, the 'fault' refers to a violation of divine protocol in handling the Ark of the Covenant, an act of irreverence or transgression against God's holiness. While the word itself is rare, its usage points to a serious breach of sacred duty rather than a simple mistake.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in 2 Samuel 6:7, describing Uzzah's fatal act of steadying the Ark. The context is a liturgical and cultic violation during the transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem. The singular occurrence suggests it may be a specialized term for a grave fault in a religious or ceremonial setting, specifically involving disregard for God's explicit commands regarding holy objects.

Etymology

Derived from the root שָׁלָה (shalah, H7952), meaning 'to be negligent' or 'to let go.' שַׁל is considered an abbreviated or nominal form of this root. The etymology connects the concept of a 'fault' to the idea of negligence, carelessness, or failing to maintain proper restraint or observance, which aligns perfectly with its use in 2 Samuel 6:7.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the concept of holiness and the serious consequences of violating God's sacred ordinances. Uzzah's 'fault' was not merely a procedural error but an act that disregarded God's explicit instructions for handling the Ark (Numbers 4:15), underscoring that God's holiness is not to be approached casually. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of 2 Samuel 6 by emphasizing that the offense was a breach of covenant responsibility and reverence. In its ancient Near Eastern context, handling sacred objects like the Ark was governed by strict ritual purity laws to separate the holy from the common. Uzzah's act, though perhaps well-intentioned by modern standards, was culturally understood as a profound transgression against these boundaries. The immediate divine judgment reflects the paramount importance placed on maintaining ritual integrity and the dangerous potency attributed to holiness. חַטָּאת (chatta'th, H2403) — a more general term for 'sin' or 'missing the mark.' פֶּשַׁע (pesha', H6588) — 'transgression' or 'rebellion,' implying a willful breach. עָוֹן (avon, H5771) — 'iniquity,' often with a sense of guilt or perversity.

Word Details