a primitive root; to pinch sycamore figs (a process necessary to ripen them); gatherer.
Transliteration:bâlaç
Pronunciation:baw-las'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb בָּלַס (bâlaç, `{{H1103}}`) is a primitive root, carrying the specific meaning "to pinch" or "to incise" sycamore figs. This action was not merely a casual gathering but a precise agricultural practice essential for the ripening of the fruit. Sycamore figs, unlike common figs, do not ripen naturally into an edible state without human intervention. The process involved making small punctures or incisions in the fruit, which would then stimulate the release of ethylene gas, accelerating maturation and making the figs palatable. Without this "pinching" (bâlaç), the figs would remain hard, woody, and bitter. Thus, the semantic range is highly specialized, referring exclusively to this particular method of preparing sycamore figs. The derived noun form implied by the definition, "gatherer," specifically refers to one who performs this unique and necessary task, rather than a general harvester of fruit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb בָּלַס (bâlaç, `{{H1103}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Amos.
* **[[Amos 7:14]]:** "Then Amos answered Amaziah, 'I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs.'"
This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant for understanding the prophet Amos and God's method of calling. Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, had accused Amos of conspiracy against King Jeroboam II, urging him to return to Judah and prophesy there. Amos's response is a powerful declaration of his true identity and the source of his authority. By stating he was a "herdsman" and a "dresser of sycamore figs" (בּוֹלֵס שִׁקְמִים, *boles shiqmim*), Amos emphasizes his humble, non-professional background. He was not trained in prophetic schools ("no prophet's son") nor was he a professional prophet who prophesied for hire. His occupation as a "dresser of sycamore figs" was likely considered a lowly, even arduous, task, as sycamore trees often grew in the lowlands and their fruit was a staple food for the poor. This detail underscores that God called him directly from an ordinary, agrarian life to deliver a divine message to a corrupt and complacent nation. His past profession stands in stark contrast to the weighty prophetic commission he received, highlighting the unexpected nature of God's chosen instruments.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Sycamore Fig (שִׁקְמָה, *shiqmah*):** The direct object of the action of bâlaç. The sycamore fig tree was common in the lowlands of Judah and was an important, though often less esteemed, food source. Its prevalence is noted in passages like [[1 Kings 10:27]] and [[Isaiah 9:10]], where it contrasts with more valuable cedar wood.
* **Herdsman (נוֹקֵד, *noqed*):** Amos's other profession, also mentioned in [[Amos 7:14]]. This word (`{{H5349}}`) specifically refers to a sheep breeder or shepherd, particularly of a certain breed of sheep. Together with "dresser of sycamore figs," it paints a picture of a man deeply connected to the land and its humble labors.
* **Prophet (נָבִיא, *navi*):** Amos explicitly denies being a professional prophet or from a prophetic lineage. His background as a bâlaç highlights the divine, rather than human, origin of his prophetic call. This contrasts with other prophetic figures who might have emerged from established prophetic guilds.
* **Agricultural Labor:** The word connects to the broader theme of agricultural life and the common occupations of ancient Israel. It specifically points to a specialized, perhaps even menial, form of labor.
* **Divine Calling:** The context of Amos's calling from a seemingly insignificant background parallels other biblical figures chosen by God from unexpected places (e.g., David from the sheepfold, Peter from fishing).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of בָּלַס (bâlaç, `{{H1103}}`) carries profound theological weight, primarily through its association with the prophet Amos.
1. **God's Sovereign Choice of the Unlikely:** The most significant theological implication is God's freedom and sovereignty in choosing His messengers. Amos, a simple "dresser of sycamore figs," was an unexpected instrument for delivering a powerful message of judgment and hope to Israel. This challenges human hierarchies and notions of qualification, demonstrating that God chooses and equips individuals based on His divine purpose, not on their social status, education, or professional background. It underscores the principle that "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]).
2. **Authenticity of the Prophetic Word:** By stating his humble origins and non-professional status, Amos authenticates his prophetic message as stemming directly from a divine commission, not from personal ambition or human training. His words were "Thus says the Lord," not "Thus says the dresser of sycamore figs." This emphasizes the divine origin and authority of his prophecy.
3. **God's Presence in the Mundane:** The word highlights that God can call and use individuals from any walk of life, even those engaged in seemingly ordinary or lowly tasks. Amos's intimate knowledge of the land, its produce, and its people, gained through his humble occupations, likely informed his prophetic imagery and message, demonstrating God's ability to prepare His servants through their everyday experiences.
4. **Divine Intervention for Fruitfulness:** While not a direct theological statement of the word itself, the *process* of bâlaç—the necessary human intervention to make the sycamore fig fruitful—can serve as a subtle metaphor for God's work in humanity. Just as the figs required "pinching" to ripen, so too does humanity often require divine intervention, discipline, or the challenging words of prophets to turn from sin and bear spiritual fruit.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb בָּלַס (bâlaç, `{{H1103}}`) uniquely describes the specific agricultural practice of "pinching" or "incising" sycamore figs to facilitate their ripening. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Amos 7:14]] is pivotal, revealing the prophet Amos's humble background as a "dresser of sycamore figs." This detail is crucial for understanding the nature of Amos's prophetic call: he was not from a privileged or professional prophetic lineage, but was divinely chosen from an ordinary, even laborious, agrarian life. Theologically, bâlaç powerfully illustrates God's sovereign freedom in selecting His messengers from unexpected places, challenging human notions of qualification and status. It underscores that God's call is authentic and authoritative precisely because it originates from Him, not from human training or social standing, and that He can prepare and use anyone, regardless of their earthly profession, for His divine purposes.
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