### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gᵉdûwd**, represented by `{{H1416}}`, refers to a crowd, especially of soldiers. It appears **34 times** across **29 unique verses**, typically translated as a **troop**, **band**, **company**, or **army**. Derived from the root `{{H1413}}` `gâdad`, meaning to crowd or assemble, `{{H1416}}` conveys the idea of a gathered group, often for military or predatory purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1416}}` is used to describe various organized groups. It frequently refers to military forces, such as the foreign **bands** of Chaldees, Syrians, and Moabites sent by the LORD to judge Judah [[2 Kings 24:2]]. It also describes marauding parties, like the **troop** of robbers that spoils the land in Hosea [[Hosea 7:1]] or the **bands** of Moabites that invaded Israel [[2 Kings 13:20]]. In a more personal context, David inquires of the LORD whether he should pursue an enemy **troop** that had raided his camp [[1 Samuel 30:8]]. The term can also be used figuratively, as when David exclaims that by God's strength he can run through a **troop** [[Psalms 18:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of organized forces and conflict:
* `{{H1413}}` **gâdad** (to crowd, assemble by troops): This is the primitive root from which `{{H1416}}` is derived. Its meaning is demonstrated in the command to "gather thyself in **troops**" [[Micah 5:1]].
* `{{H1464}}` **gûwd** (to crowd upon, attack, invade): This related root emphasizes the aggressive action of a troop. It is used in a prophetic wordplay concerning the tribe of Gad, stating a **troop** `{{H1416}}` shall **overcome** `{{H1464}}` him [[Genesis 49:19]].
* `{{H6635}}` **tsâbâʼ** (army, host, war): This term signifies a mass of persons organized for war. It appears alongside `{{H1416}}` in descriptions of Israel's military, such as the "bands of soldiers for war" [[1 Chronicles 7:4]].
* `{{H2428}}` **chayil** (army, force, valor): This word denotes a force, whether of men or resources. It is used to describe the "mighty men of valour" who served as captains in the host [[1 Chronicles 12:21]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H1416}}` carries significant thematic weight, illustrating God's sovereignty over all forces, whether friendly or hostile.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** God is shown to wield foreign armies as his instrument. The LORD sent **bands** `{{H1416}}` of various nations to punish Judah for its disobedience, fulfilling the word of his prophets [[2 Kings 24:2]].
* **Symbol of Divine Strength:** The power of a human **troop** is contrasted with the power of God. David declares that through God, he can overcome an entire **troop** and leap over a wall, showing that divine empowerment surpasses any earthly military force [[2 Samuel 22:30]]. Job similarly highlights God's might by asking, "Is there any number of his **armies**?" [[Job 25:3]].
* **Prophetic Identity:** The word is used to define the character and destiny of a people. Jacob's prophecy over his son **Gad** `{{H1410}}` uses a play on words: "Gad, a **troop** shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last," foretelling the tribe's martial nature and ultimate victory [[Genesis 49:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1416}}` **gᵉdûwd** is more than just a label for a group of soldiers. It serves as a dynamic term that describes organized bands of men in various contexts, from invading armies and companies of robbers to the loyal followers of a king. Theologically, it functions as a powerful illustration of God's absolute control over the affairs of nations, using these troops for both judgment and deliverance, and ultimately demonstrating that His strength is infinitely greater than any human army.
TRV