Where there is no Prophetic Vision
Comment @ Biblical Patriarchy
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who ckeeps the law.
2377 !Azx' chazown {khaw-zone'}
Meaning: 1) vision 1a) vision (in ecstatic state) 1b) vision (in night) 1c) vision, oracle, prophecy (divine communication) 1d) vision (as title of book of prophecy)
Origin: from 02372; TWOT - 633a; n m
Usage: AV - vision 35; 35
The word "revelation" (hazon, Heb. for "prophetic vision"—cf. 1 Sam. 9:9) refers to the experience of the prophets in receiving a word from God (see Dan. 4:5, note). The "law" (torah, Heb., may also mean "instruction") is not only the Mosaic Law but also the messages to the people from God via His messengers, the prophets. Happiness comes in obeying the word of God however it comes (cf. Is. 8:16; Amos 8:11, 12). Believer's Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Pr 29:18
The idea behind the usage of the word vision in this passage has less to do with a 'goal' or vision and much more to do with hearing the prophetic word of YHWH.
The familiar KJV "where there is no vision" is misleading. The word "vision" is the revelation (ḥāzôn) a prophet receives. Also the KJV translation "the people perish" does not refer to unsaved people dying in sin. Theverb pāra' means to cast off restraint. So the verse is stating that without God's Word people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways. On the other hand keeping (obeying) God's Law (cf. 28:4, 7) brings happiness. Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:968
The Biblical Patriarch's role includes the office of Prophet. "Where there is no prophetic vision" speaks then to a lack of Biblical Patriarchs' fulfilling their role as Prophet.
