### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉlîyl**, represented by `{{H1098}}`, refers to **feed (for cattle)**. Its base definition is "mixed," which specifies its use as **corn**, **fodder**, or **provender**. This word appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently relating to animal sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1098}}` is used in contexts of both natural order and divine judgment or blessing. In the book of Job, it is used rhetorically to illustrate a basic principle of contentment: a well-fed ox does not **low** `{{H1600}}` over its **fodder** [[Job 6:5]]. The word also appears in a description of the wicked, who unjustly **reap** `{{H7114}}` **corn** `{{H1098}}` from the **field** `{{H7704}}` [[Job 24:6]]. In contrast, Isaiah uses the term in a prophecy of future abundance, where even the **oxen** `{{H504}}` and **young asses** `{{H5895}}` will **eat** `{{H398}}` specially prepared **provender** `{{H1098}}` that has been **winnowed** `{{H2219}}` [[Isaiah 30:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the agricultural and pastoral context of `{{H1098}}`:
* `{{H504}}` **'eleph** (ox or cow): This term identifies the livestock, such as **oxen**, that consume the provender. It is used directly in the promise of abundance where the animals will eat clean **provender** `{{H1098}}` [[Isaiah 30:24]].
* `{{H398}}` **'âkal** (to eat): This primitive root describes the fundamental action of consumption. It is used to describe how the oxen and asses **shall eat** `{{H398}}` the prepared feed [[Isaiah 30:24]].
* `{{H2219}}` **zârâh** (to toss about; winnow): This word details the process of refining the feed. The **provender** `{{H1098}}` in Isaiah's prophecy is not just any feed, but that which **hath been winnowed** `{{H2219}}`, signifying its high quality [[Isaiah 30:24]].
### Theological Significance
While a simple term for animal feed, `{{H1098}}` carries thematic weight related to justice, contentment, and divine blessing.
* **A Measure of Contentment and Justice:** The word is used in Job to establish a baseline for natural contentment; an animal with **fodder** `{{H1098}}` is quiet [[Job 6:5]]. This contrasts sharply with the injustice of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` who unjustly **reap** `{{H7114}}` the **corn** `{{H1098}}` of others, upsetting a natural order [[Job 24:6]].
* **Symbol of Abundant Blessing:** In Isaiah's prophecy, the quality of the **provender** `{{H1098}}` serves as a symbol of divine favor. It is described as **clean** `{{H2548}}` and **winnowed** `{{H2219}}`, indicating a state of extraordinary abundance provided by God for even the working animals [[Isaiah 30:24]].
* **Basic Sustenance:** Fundamentally, **bᵉlîyl** represents the basic need for sustenance. Job's question about the **ox** `{{H7794}}` lowing over its **fodder** `{{H1098}}` illustrates that a lack of provision leads to complaint, a principle he applies to his own suffering [[Job 6:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1098}}` **bᵉlîyl** is a specific term for mixed animal feed that appears in contexts of both everyday life and prophecy. Though used only three times, it effectively illustrates themes of natural order, injustice, and divine blessing. From the basic **fodder** `{{H1098}}` that satisfies an ox to the high-quality, **winnowed** `{{H2219}}` **provender** `{{H1098}}` promised in a time of restoration, the word demonstrates how even simple agricultural terms can carry significant thematic weight in scripture.
TRV