The Hebrew word gâlam, represented by H1563, is a primitive root meaning to fold; wrap together. This highly specific term is exceedingly rare, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
In its sole biblical appearance, H1563 describes a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Elijah. Before being taken up into heaven, Elijah H452 stood at the bank of the Jordan River. He took H3947 his mantle H155 and wrapped it together H1563, then smote H5221 the waters H4325. As a result, the waters were divided H2673, allowing Elijah and Elisha to cross over on dry H2724 ground 2 Kings 2:8. The action of folding the garment was the direct preparatory step for the miracle.
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of this miraculous event:
- H155 'addereth: This word for mantle or robe refers to the object that was wrapped together. As a significant garment, it represented the prophet's authority and was the physical instrument used to part the waters 2 Kings 2:8. It also appears as a "garment" in Joshua 7:21 and a "robe" worn by a king Jonah 3:6.
- H5221 nâkâh: This root means to strike or smite. It is the action Elijah performed with the folded mantle to enact the miracle. The same word is used for the smiting of the shepherd in Zechariah's prophecy Zechariah 13:7.
- H2673 châtsâh: Meaning to cut or split in two; to halve, this describes the supernatural effect of Elijah's action. The waters were divided, a miracle Elisha would later repeat with the same mantle 2 Kings 2:14.
- H2724 chârâbâh: This term, meaning dry (ground, land), signifies the outcome of the miracle, creating a safe passage through the riverbed 2 Kings 2:8. This recalls the Israelites crossing the Jordan on dry ground Joshua 3:17.
While appearing only once, the theological weight of H1563 is tied to its unique context:
- Preparation for Divine Action: The act of wrapping the mantle is not incidental; it is the deliberate preparation for a miracle. It illustrates that human action, performed in faith, can be the immediate precursor to an act of God.
- Focusing Authority: By folding his mantle H155, Elijah is symbolically concentrating his God-given authority into a single point of impact. The mantle, when wrapped, becomes a focused instrument of power, a concept reinforced when Elisha later takes it up to perform the same act 2 Kings 2:14.
- An Instrument of Passage: The action of H1563 directly leads to the parting of the waters H4325. It is part of a sequence that demonstrates God's power to make a way where there is no way, providing passage for his prophets through an impassable barrier.
In summary, H1563 is a powerful, concise verb that, in its single usage, captures a moment of intense focus and preparation for a miracle. It shows how an ordinary action—folding a piece of cloth—can be imbued with extraordinary purpose. The word is forever linked to the prophet Elijah H452, his mantle H155, and the divine power that could divide waters and make a path on dry ground.
TRV