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H5539 Β· Hebrew Β· Old Testament
בָלַל
salal
Verb
to heap up; to lift up a highway; to make light of, despise

Definition

Salal (H5539) carries the double meaning of heaping up (building a highway or mound) and, in some contexts, the contempt of treating something as light or worthless. Most commonly it means 'to cast up a highway' β€” the preparation of a royal road through rough terrain, commanding mountains to be leveled for the king's approach.

Usage & Theological Significance

Isaiah 57:14 and 62:10 use salal for the eschatological highway of return: 'Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people!' This is the precursor to John the Baptist's role (Isaiah 40:3 β€” related concept) and the final gathering of Israel. The theological image: God commands barriers to be cleared so His people can walk freely back to Him.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 57:14 Build up, build up, prepare the road [salal]! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.
Isaiah 62:10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway [salal]!
Proverbs 15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway [salal].
Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD... make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'
Psalm 68:4 Extol [salal] him who rides on the clouds β€” his name is the LORD β€” and rejoice before him.

Related Words

External Resources

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