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H7321 · Hebrew · Old Testament
רוּעַ
Rua
Verb
To Shout, Raise a War Cry, Shout for Joy

Definition

The Hebrew verb rua means to raise a shout — whether a war cry in battle or a shout of joy in worship. The same word describes the battle cry that toppled Jericho's walls and the triumphal shout of worshipers before the King of kings.

Usage & Theological Significance

Rua is the shout that changes things. At Jericho, Israel shouted (rua) and walls fell (Joshua 6:20) — demonstrating that God's strategy is not always military but sometimes is simply faithful obedience enacted in audible trust. The same shout characterizes the Psalms of praise: 'Shout for joy to God, all the earth!' (Psalm 100:1). This convergence of battle cry and worship shout is not accidental — in the Hebrew worldview, worship is spiritual warfare. The shout of God's people declares His victory before it is visibly realized. Numbers 23:21 describes Israel as a people 'before whom the shout of the King is heard' — their worship is a declaration of divine sovereignty over all enemies.

Key Bible Verses

Joshua 6:20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed.
Psalm 100:1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Numbers 23:21 No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.
Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD... And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD.
1 Samuel 17:52 Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines.

Related Words

External Resources

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