from בָּלַל; mixed, i.e. (specifically) feed (for cattle); corn, fodder, provender.
Transliteration:bᵉlîyl
Pronunciation:bel-eel'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1098}}` (בְּלִיל, bᵉlîyl) is derived from the root `{{H1101}}` (בָּלַל, balal), which carries the core meaning of "to mix," "to mingle," or "to confuse." Consequently, *bᵉlîyl* fundamentally signifies something that is "mixed" or "mingled." In its specific application within the biblical text, it refers exclusively to "mixed feed," "fodder," or "provender" for livestock. This implies a composite meal, often consisting of various grains, chaff, or other plant material, prepared for the nourishment of animals. The semantic range is thus narrow but precise, focusing on the prepared sustenance for domestic animals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1098}}` (בְּלִיל, bᵉlîyl) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering unique contextual insights:
1. **[[Job 6:5]]**: "Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass, or does the ox low over its fodder (בְּלִיל)?"
In this poetic and rhetorical question, Job argues that even animals express distress only when lacking their basic necessities. The "fodder" (בְּלִיל) here represents the staple, expected sustenance for an ox. The implication is that if an animal, when provided for, does not complain, why should Job's profound suffering be met with silence or misunderstanding from his friends? The word highlights the natural expectation of provision and the contentment that follows its fulfillment.
2. **[[Isaiah 30:24]]**: "The oxen and the donkeys that work the ground will eat well-mixed fodder (בְּלִיל), which has been winnowed with the shovel and fork."
This verse is part of a prophetic promise of future blessing and restoration for Judah. The "well-mixed fodder" (מְחֻמָּץ בְּלִיל, *mᵉḥummāṣ bᵉlîyl*, possibly "savory mixed fodder" or "salted mixed fodder") describes a superior quality of animal feed, meticulously prepared and winnowed. This detail signifies an era of extraordinary abundance and divine favor, where even the working animals receive exceptional care. It underscores a holistic prosperity that extends to all aspects of life, including the well-being of livestock crucial for agricultural sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb `{{H1101}}` (בָּלַל, balal), from which *bᵉlîyl* is derived. This root's most famous occurrence is in the narrative of the Tower of Babel ([[Genesis 11:7]], [[Genesis 11:9]]), where God "confuses" (mixes up) the languages. This connection underscores the "mixed" nature of *bᵉlîyl*, whether it be mixed grains for feed or mixed languages leading to confusion.
Other related terms for animal sustenance include:
* `{{H2682}}` (חָצִיר, ḥāṣîr): "grass," "hay," often referring to green pasturage.
* `{{H4550}}` (מִסְפּוֹא, mispô'): A more general term for "fodder" or "provender," often used for camels or donkeys. While *mispô'* is broad, *bᵉlîyl* specifically emphasizes the *mixed* composition of the feed.
* General terms for food or sustenance, such as `{{H3899}}` (לֶחֶם, lechem - bread, food) or `{{H3978}}` (מַאֲכָל, ma'akhal - food).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1098}}` (בְּלִיל, bᵉlîyl) is subtle but profound, primarily woven into themes of divine provision and holistic blessing:
1. **Divine Provision for Creation:** Both occurrences implicitly point to God as the ultimate provider for all living creatures. The natural contentment of an ox with its fodder ([[Job 6:5]]) highlights the order of creation and the sustenance God provides for it.
2. **Symbol of Holistic Prosperity and Blessing:** In [[Isaiah 30:24]], the promise of high-quality, meticulously prepared *bᵉlîyl* for working animals is a powerful symbol of future divine blessing. It signifies a time of peace, fertility, and comprehensive well-being, where God's favor extends even to the livestock essential for human livelihood. This demonstrates a holistic biblical worldview where prosperity is not limited to human abundance but encompasses the flourishing of the entire created order under God's benevolent rule.
3. **Contrast and Expectation:** In Job, the mention of *bᵉlîyl* serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the natural order of contentment when needs are met, contrasting with Job's own suffering and the perceived lack of divine explanation or comfort. It sets a baseline of expected provision against which human experience is measured.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1098}}` (בְּלִיל, bᵉlîyl), derived from the root "to mix," specifically denotes "mixed fodder" or "provender" for livestock. Though appearing only twice in the Old Testament, its usage is significant. In [[Job 6:5]], it serves as a baseline for animal contentment, implicitly contrasting with human suffering. More profoundly, in [[Isaiah 30:24]], *bᵉlîyl* becomes a tangible symbol of future divine blessing and holistic prosperity, where even working animals will receive abundant and carefully prepared sustenance. Thus, *bᵉlîyl*, while literally referring to animal feed, subtly contributes to the broader biblical themes of God's comprehensive provision for all creation and the all-encompassing nature of His promised blessings.
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