The Hebrew word bᵉrôwm, represented by H1264, refers to rich apparel. The term, which is likely of foreign origin, describes damask or other valuable fabrics made of variegated thread. It appears only 1 time in the Bible, within a single verse, highlighting its specific use in the context of valuable, traded goods.
The sole appearance of H1264 is in Ezekiel 27:24, within a detailed prophecy against the commercial city-state of Tyre. The verse describes merchants trading in a variety of luxury items, including "chests of rich apparel." This context places the term squarely in a list of high-value merchandise, alongside "blue clothes" H1545, "broidered work" H7553, and items made of cedar H729. The fact that this apparel was stored in chests H1595 further underscores its worth as a treasured and transportable commodity.
Several related words from the passage in Ezekiel 27 help to build the context of luxury and international trade:
- H7402 râkal (to travel for trading; (spice) merchant): This word establishes the setting, identifying the key figures in Tyre's economy. The prophecy lists merchants from numerous lands, such as Sheba, Asshur, and Judah Ezekiel 27:22-23.
- H7553 riqmâh (variegation of color; specifically, embroidery; broidered (work)): Mentioned alongside H1264, this term for elaborate needlework also denotes luxury textiles. It is used to describe beautiful clothing given to Jerusalem Ezekiel 16:10 and the raiment of royalty Psalms 45:14.
- H8504 tᵉkêleth (blue): This term for a specific, valuable violet or blue dye is another luxury good listed in the context of Tyre's trade. This color was highly prized and used for both sacred items in the tabernacle Exodus 26:1 and royal apparel Esther 8:15.
- H1595 genez (treasure; by implication, a coffer; chest, treasury): This word for a chest or treasury is the container for the "rich apparel" in Tyre. Its use elsewhere for the king's treasuries reinforces the idea of stored wealth Esther 3:9.
While not a central theological term, the significance of H1264 is derived entirely from its powerful context:
- Symbol of Worldly Wealth: The term is part of a vast inventory of goods that signifies the immense material prosperity and global reach of Tyre, showcasing the peak of human commercial enterprise Ezekiel 27:24.
- Object of Divine Judgment: The entire chapter is a lament over Tyre's impending doom. The "rich apparel" and other treasures are listed as the foundation of the city's pride, which ultimately invites judgment from God.
- Illustration of Global Commerce: The passage details an extensive trade network. The inclusion of fine textiles like H1264 illustrates the material interconnectedness of the ancient world and serves as a caution against placing ultimate trust in such systems.
In summary, H1264 is a highly specific term for rich apparel that appears once in Scripture. Its importance is not in its frequency but in its singular, vivid context within the prophecy against Tyre. It functions as a powerful symbol of the worldly wealth, luxury, and prideful commerce that, when detached from divine honor, leads to ruin. The word and its surrounding inventory serve as a biblical illustration of the temporary nature of material glory.
TRV