### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word gâzzah (`{{H1492}}`) is a feminine noun derived directly from the verb gâzaz (`{{H1491}}`), which signifies "to shear," "to cut off," or "to clip." Consequently, gâzzah refers specifically to the product of this shearing action, namely, the woolly covering of a sheep once it has been removed from the animal. Its core meaning is therefore "fleece" or "sheared wool." The semantic range of gâzzah is quite narrow, consistently denoting this particular animal product, without extending to broader meanings of coverings or materials. It represents a raw, natural commodity derived from animal husbandry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gâzzah (`{{H1492}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet each instance provides significant insight into its practical and theological implications within ancient Israelite society:
1. **[[Deuteronomy 18:4]]**: "The first of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece (`{{H1492}}`) of your sheep, you shall give him."
In this passage, gâzzah is listed among the agricultural firstfruits and produce designated as a due for the Levitical priests. This command underscores the system of divine provision for those who ministered in the tabernacle/temple, as they had no tribal land inheritance. The "first of the fleece" would have been a valuable commodity, representing the initial yield from a flock, thereby ensuring the sustenance and livelihood of the priesthood. This context highlights the economic and religious significance of fleece as a staple product and a required offering.
2. **[[Job 31:20]]**: "If his loins have not blessed me, and if he was not warmed with the fleece (`{{H1492}}`) of my sheep."
Here, Job, in his eloquent defense of his integrity and righteousness, refers to the practical compassion he extended to the poor. Providing clothing and warmth to the needy, particularly with wool from his own flocks, was a tangible demonstration of his justice and empathy. The fleece, in this context, symbolizes the material means by which basic human needs were met, showcasing Job's active and personal involvement in caring for the less fortunate. It speaks to the direct application of resources for humanitarian purposes.
In both occurrences, gâzzah refers to the literal fleece of sheep, illustrating its dual role as both a valuable resource for religious support and a practical means of alleviating human suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to gâzzah (`{{H1492}}`) is its root verb, gâzaz (`{{H1491}}`), meaning "to shear." This direct etymological link emphasizes that the fleece is a product of the shearing process.
Other related concepts include:
* **Sheep/Flock:** The animal source of the fleece, often referred to as tsō'n (`{{H6629}}`). The well-being of the flock was crucial for the production of fleece.
* **Wool (tsemer, `{{H6785}}`):** While gâzzah specifically denotes the raw, shorn fleece, tsemer is the more general term for wool as a material, often used for weaving into cloth.
* **Firstfruits/Offerings:** The concept of giving the "first" of one's produce to God or His representatives is a pervasive theme in Mosaic law (e.g., bikkurim, `{{H1061}}`). The fleece in [[Deuteronomy 18:4]] falls within this broader category of sacred contributions.
* **Clothing/Warmth:** The practical use of fleece for making garments and providing warmth (as seen in [[Job 31:20]]) connects it to concepts of basic human needs, charity, and social justice.
* **Pastoral Economy:** The existence of gâzzah as a significant commodity points to the pastoral and agricultural foundations of ancient Israelite society, where sheep rearing was a vital component of the economy.
### Theological Significance
Though a simple noun denoting an agricultural product, gâzzah (`{{H1492}}`) carries subtle yet profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Provision and Priestly Sustenance:** The command in [[Deuteronomy 18:4]] to give the first of the fleece to the priests highlights God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service. It underscores the principle that those who minister in spiritual things are to be supported by the community, drawing from the fruits of their labor. This is not merely an economic transaction but a sacred duty, acknowledging God's ownership of all resources and the community's responsibility to His representatives, ensuring the continuity of worship and instruction.
2. **Compassion, Justice, and Righteous Living:** Job's reference in [[Job 31:20]] elevates the simple fleece to a symbol of practical compassion and righteous living. Providing warmth to the poor was a tangible act of *tzedakah* (righteousness/justice). This illustrates the biblical emphasis on caring for the vulnerable and the practical outworking of faith through deeds of mercy. It reveals that true piety extends beyond ritual to encompass genuine concern for the physical well-being of others, embodying the ethical demands of the covenant.
3. **Stewardship of God-Given Resources:** The fleece, as a product of the land and livestock, represents a resource provided by God. Its prescribed uses—for the support of the priesthood and for the clothing of the poor—demonstrate that all resources are ultimately God's and are to be stewarded responsibly for both sacred purposes and the welfare of humanity. It speaks to the integrated nature of worship and social responsibility in the Israelite worldview.
### Summary
Gâzzah (`{{H1492}}`) is a Hebrew feminine noun meaning "fleece," derived from the verb "to shear" (`{{H1491}}`). Despite its limited occurrences in the biblical text, its presence in [[Deuteronomy 18:4]] and [[Job 31:20]] imbues it with significant theological weight. In Deuteronomy, it symbolizes divine provision and the community's sacred duty to support the Levitical priesthood, highlighting the interconnectedness of worship and economic responsibility. In Job, it serves as a powerful illustration of practical compassion and social justice, demonstrating how a righteous individual uses their God-given resources to alleviate the suffering of the poor. Thus, gâzzah, though a simple term for an agricultural product, embodies principles of priestly sustenance, ethical living, and the responsible stewardship of God's blessings for both sacred purposes and the well-being of humanity.
TRV