### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâmâl**, represented by `{{H1581}}`, refers to a **camel**. It appears **54 times** across **51 unique verses**. Its name is apparently derived from a root meaning labor or burden-bearing, highlighting its primary role in scripture. The camel serves as a significant marker of wealth, a means of transportation, and a beast of burden in biblical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1581}}` is frequently used as a measure of great wealth and divine blessing. Job's prosperity was marked by his possession of three thousand **camels**, a number that doubled after the LORD blessed his latter end ([[Job 1:3]], [[Job 42:12]]). Similarly, Abram and Jacob's substance included **camels** ([[Genesis 12:16]], [[Genesis 30:43]]). They were also essential for travel and transport, used by the Ishmeelites to carry goods to Egypt [[Genesis 37:25]] and by the Queen of Sheba to bring gifts of spices and gold to Solomon [[1 Kings 10:2]]. In a military context, **camels** were valuable spoils of war [[1 Chronicles 5:21]] and were used by armies like the Midianites, whose **camels** were "without number" [[Judges 7:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and use of the **camel**:
* `{{H1070}}` **beker** (dromedary): A term for a young **camel**, it appears alongside **gâmâl** in a prophecy about a multitude of animals coming from Midian and Ephah [[Isaiah 60:6]].
* `{{H1707}}` **dabbesheth** (hunch of a camel): This word refers specifically to the hump of a **camel**, which was used for carrying treasures and riches on long journeys [[Isaiah 30:6]].
* `{{H3733}}` **kar** (camel's saddle): This refers to the **camel's** furniture. Rachel used the **camel's** furniture to hide the household images from Laban [[Genesis 31:34]].
* `{{H2543}}` **chămôwr** (ass): Often listed alongside the **camel** as a key component of livestock and a measure of wealth, as seen in the possessions of Abram and Jacob ([[Genesis 12:16]], [[Genesis 30:43]]) and in descriptions of plunder [[1 Samuel 27:9]].
### Theological Significance
The **camel** `{{H1581}}` carries significant weight as a symbol in several biblical themes:
* **Indicator of Blessing and Wealth:** The number of **camels** owned by individuals like Job and Abram is a direct reflection of their status and the blessings bestowed upon them by the LORD ([[Job 42:12]], [[Genesis 24:35]]).
* **Instrument of Commerce and Gentile Interaction:** As bearers of burdens, **camels** facilitated trade between distant lands, carrying goods like spices and myrrh from Gilead to Egypt [[Genesis 37:25]]. They also feature in interactions with foreign rulers, such as the Queen of Sheba and Hazael of Syria ([[1 Kings 10:2]], [[2 Kings 8:9]]).
* **Subject of Divine Law and Judgment:** The **camel** is specifically named in the law as an unclean animal ([[Leviticus 11:4]], [[Deuteronomy 14:7]]). It is also subject to divine judgment, as seen in the plague of murrain upon the cattle of Egypt [[Exodus 9:3]] and in the command to utterly destroy all of Amalek's livestock [[1 Samuel 15:3]].
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** In prophecy, the arrival of a multitude of **camels** from Gentile nations signifies future worship and the bringing of wealth to honor the LORD [[Isaiah 60:6]]. Conversely, a city becoming a "stable for camels" is a sign of divine judgment and desolation [[Ezekiel 25:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1581}}` **gâmâl** is much more than a simple beast of burden. It is a powerful symbol of wealth and prosperity in the patriarchal narratives, a vital asset for travel and commerce, and a feature in military conquests. As an animal subject to both divine law and divine judgment, the **camel** also plays a role in illustrating Israel's relationship with God. From a literal indicator of Job's substance to a prophetic image of Gentile nations bringing tribute, the **camel** is an important element in the economic and theological landscape of the Old Testament.
TRV