### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **botsrâh**, represented by `{{H1223}}`, means **an enclosure, i.e. sheep fold; Bozrah**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single usage highly significant in its context. The term denotes a place of security and containment, specifically for a flock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1223}}` is in [[Micah 2:12]], within a prophecy of restoration for Israel. The verse describes a divine promise: "I will put them together as the sheep of **Bozrah**, as the flock in the midst of their fold." Here, **Bozrah** serves as a powerful simile for how God will gather the remnant of His people. It paints a picture of them being brought into a single, secure place, resulting in a "great noise by reason of the multitude of men" [[Micah 2:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the concept of this divine gathering:
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn** (sheep): This is a collective name for a flock and is used figuratively for men. The people of Israel are likened to **sheep** whom God will assemble [[Micah 2:12]].
* `{{H6908}}` **qâbats** (to grasp, i.e. collect): This verb describes the action of God bringing His people together. The promise is to **gather** the remnant from all countries [[Jeremiah 23:3]].
* `{{H7611}}` **shᵉʼêrîyth** (a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion): This specifies who will be gathered—the surviving portion of Israel. The promise is for this **remnant** to be fruitful and increase [[Jeremiah 23:3]].
* `{{H1699}}` **dôber** (a pasture (from its arrangement of the flock)): Used in the same verse as `{{H1223}}`, this word reinforces the idea of a protected and organized place for the flock, referring to "their **fold**" [[Micah 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1223}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image of restoration:
* **Divine Gathering:** The word is central to the promise that God will personally **assemble** `{{H622}}` and **gather** `{{H6908}}` His people. This theme of gathering a scattered flock appears in other prophetic contexts, such as the promise to "gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries" [[Jeremiah 23:3]].
* **Promised Security:** An enclosure or sheepfold is, by nature, a place of safety. The use of **botsrâh** signifies that the gathered remnant of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` will be brought into a state of unity and protection, put **together** `{{H3162}}` as a flock in its **fold** `{{H1699}}`.
* **The People as a Flock:** The imagery of sheep and a flock is used to represent the "multitude of men" `{{H120}}` that make up God's people. The "great noise" `{{H1949}}` they make signifies a vibrant, populous community restored under God's care, much like the promise that "we are his people, and the **sheep** of his pasture" [[Psalms 100:3]].
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, `{{H1223}}` **botsrâh** provides a rich and focused metaphor. It signifies more than just a physical enclosure; it represents God's promise of ultimate security, restoration, and unity for His people. Its use in [[Micah 2:12]] creates an enduring image of God as a shepherd who gathers His scattered remnant into a place of safety, transforming them into a thriving and numerous community.
TRV