The Hebrew word gᵉlôwm, represented by H1545, refers to clothing or clothes. Derived from a root word meaning "to wrap," it carries the idea of garments that are wrapped around the body. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text.
The single appearance of H1545 is in Ezekiel 27:24, within a detailed prophecy lamenting the impending fall of the wealthy city of Tyre. The passage catalogues the vast array of luxury goods that flowed through Tyre's markets. Here, gᵉlôwm is listed as part of a merchant's valuable inventory: "in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel" Ezekiel 27:24. Its use in this context firmly establishes it as a term for fine, tradable textiles.
The verse where H1545 appears contains a rich vocabulary of commerce and luxury goods that illuminate its meaning:
- H8504 tᵉkêleth (blue): This word, describing the color of the clothes, refers to a valuable violet or blue dye obtained from the cerulean mussel, indicating the high value of the garments.
- H7553 riqmâh (broidered work): Mentioned alongside H1545, this term for embroidery or needlework further emphasizes the decorative and costly nature of the textiles being traded Ezekiel 27:24.
- H1264 bᵉrôwm (rich apparel): Used in the same list, this term denotes damask or other variegated, high-quality fabric, placing H1545 in the category of luxurious attire.
- H1595 genez (chests): These were the coffers or chests used to store and transport valuable goods like fine clothing, as seen in the phrase "chests of rich apparel" Ezekiel 27:24.
- H2280 châbash (to wrap firmly): This verb, used to describe the chests as being "bound" with cords, shares a conceptual link with the root of H1545, which implies wrapping.
While H1545 itself does not carry direct theological weight, its context within Ezekiel 27 is highly significant. It serves to illustrate several key themes:
- Worldly Wealth: The "blue clothes" are part of a long list meant to showcase the immense material wealth and commercial success of Tyre, a major theme in the prophecy.
- Pride and Judgment: The entire chapter uses this inventory of riches to underscore the source of Tyre's pride. The city's reliance on its commercial power, symbolized by these luxury goods, is presented as a reason for its divine judgment.
- Global Commerce: The mention of specific, high-value items like these clothes highlights the extensive and sophisticated trade networks of the ancient world, which Tyre dominated.
In summary, H1545 is a specific and rare term for clothes. Its sole biblical usage in Ezekiel 27:24 places it squarely in the context of international trade and luxury. Though a simple noun, it functions as a detail that enriches the prophetic picture of Tyre's worldly glory, contributing to the broader biblical theme that pride in material wealth precedes a fall.
TRV