### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉlôwʼ**, represented by `{{H1094}}`, is a term used to describe **rags** or something **old**. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning to wear out, `{{H1094}}` is found only in a plural construction, emphasizing items that are thoroughly worn and discarded.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H1094}}` is confined to a single, specific event in the biblical narrative: the rescue of the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 38, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian acts to save Jeremiah from a dungeon. He goes to the king's house and from the treasury retrieves "**old** cast clouts and **old** rotten rags" [[Jeremiah 38:11]]. These worn-out items are then let down by ropes to Jeremiah, who is instructed to put the "**old** cast clouts and rotten rags" under his armholes to cushion him as he is pulled to safety [[Jeremiah 38:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H1094}}` is always used alongside two other descriptive nouns that specify the type of rags:
* `{{H5499}}` **çᵉchâbâh** (a rag; cast clout): This word identifies the objects as "**cast clouts**," which `{{H1094}}` then describes as being old. The two words appear together in both [[Jeremiah 38:11]] and [[Jeremiah 38:12]].
* `{{H4418}}` **mâlâch** (a rag or old garment; rotten rag): This term is paired with `{{H1094}}` to emphasize the decayed state of the cloths, calling them "**rotten rags**." This pairing is also found in both [[Jeremiah 38:11]] and [[Jeremiah 38:12]].
### Theological Significance
While the word itself is simple, its context provides significant thematic weight.
* **Deliverance Through Humble Means:** The use of `{{H1094}}` items—discarded and worthless rags—for the critical task of saving God's prophet highlights a theme of God using the lowly to accomplish His will [[Jeremiah 38:11]].
* **Tangible Compassion:** The specific action of finding these **old** cloths demonstrates Ebedmelech's tender care. He did not simply use ropes, which would have injured Jeremiah, but sought out these soft, albeit rotten, rags to prevent harm, showing compassion in action [[Jeremiah 38:12]].
* **Value in the Valueless:** The objects described by `{{H1094}}` were forgotten in a treasury, yet they became instruments of salvation. This illustrates that what man considers useless can be essential in God's plan.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1094}}` is a narrow and infrequent term for "old" as it applies to rags. Its significance is derived entirely from its singular context in the book of Jeremiah. The word vividly paints a picture of discarded, worthless items being used to perform an act of compassionate deliverance, powerfully illustrating the principle that in God's economy, nothing is truly without purpose.
TRV