The Hebrew word gêz, represented by H1488, is a term with dual meanings referring to a fleece or mown grass. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The word derives from a root meaning "to shear," which connects its application to both the shorn wool from a sheep and grass that has been cut down.
In its biblical usage, H1488 applies to both agricultural and pastoral life. As "fleece," it is listed as a required offering, with the law stipulating that "the first of the fleece of thy sheep" shall be given to the priests Deuteronomy 18:4. It is also used to describe a source of warmth and charity, as when Job speaks of the poor being warmed with the "fleece of my sheep" Job 31:20. In the context of "mown grass," it is used metaphorically in Psalms to describe a righteous king's influence, which shall "come down like rain upon the mown grass" Psalms 72:6. It also appears in Amos to denote a specific time in the agricultural calendar, "after the king's mowings" Amos 7:1.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H1488 is used:
- H7225 rêʼshîyth (the first, in place, time, order or rank): This word establishes the fleece as a primary offering, placing it alongside the firstfruit of corn, wine, and oil as a religious obligation Deuteronomy 18:4.
- H6629 tsôʼn (a collective name for a flock): This term identifies the source of the fleece, linking the offering directly to the pastoral wealth of the Israelites Deuteronomy 18:4.
- H4306 mâṭar (rain): This word is used in conjunction with "mown grass" to create a powerful metaphor for gentle, life-giving influence descending upon the land and its people Psalms 72:6.
- H3954 leqesh (the after crop): This term for the "latter growth" is used to frame the timing of the "king's mowings," highlighting its place within a broader agricultural and seasonal cycle Amos 7:1.
The theological weight of H1488 is expressed through its distinct applications:
- Tangible Righteousness: The fleece serves as a concrete measure of righteousness, both in fulfilling one's duty to God through offerings Deuteronomy 18:4 and in showing compassion to others by providing warmth Job 31:20.
- Vulnerability and Renewal: As "mown grass," the term symbolizes a state of vulnerability and need. The blessing of a righteous king is like rain upon this cut grass, bringing renewal and life where there was weakness Psalms 72:6.
- Royal Authority and Divine Sovereignty: The mention of "the king's mowings" in Amos signifies royal privilege and control over the land's resources. However, this is immediately followed by a vision of judgment from the Lord God, illustrating that divine sovereignty ultimately supersedes earthly authority Amos 7:1.
In summary, H1488 is a specific term from ancient life that carries significant metaphorical and theological meaning. Whether referring to a fleece from a sheep or a field of mown grass, it consistently points to themes of provision, religious duty, and the relationship between divine authority and human action. The word illustrates how the cycles of agriculture and pastoralism provided a rich vocabulary for expressing core spiritual truths.
TRV