The Hebrew word dᵉbêlâh, represented by H1690, refers to a cake (lump) of figs. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term derives from a root meaning to press together, describing a dense cake made from figs that was used as both a concentrated food source and a medicinal application.
In the biblical narrative, H1690 is used in two primary contexts: provision and healing. As a provision, it is listed among the abundant supplies Abigail H26 brought to David's men 1 Samuel 25:18 and among the foods brought to David's army in a time of celebration 1 Chronicles 12:40. A piece H6400 of a cake H1690 of figs was given to an exhausted Egyptian, and after he had eaten H398, his spirit H7307 returned 1 Samuel 30:12. Medicinally, the prophet Isaiah H3470 commanded that a lump H1690 of figs be taken and laid as a plaster on a boil H7822 to bring about recovery H2421 (2 Kings 20:7, Isaiah 38:21).
Several related words help clarify the context and use of dᵉbêlâh:
- H8384 tᵉʼên (the fig (tree or fruit)): This is the source fruit from which a cake of figs is made. The connection is explicit when Isaiah H3470 prescribes a lump H1690 of figs H8384 for healing Isaiah 38:21.
- H6778 tsammûwq (bunch (cluster) of raisins): This is another form of preserved fruit often listed alongside cakes of figs as a vital provision. They appear together in the supplies offered by Abigail H26 and those brought to David's men (1 Samuel 25:18, 1 Chronicles 12:40).
- H7822 shᵉchîyn (boil): This is the ailment that a dᵉbêlâh is used to treat. The application of a fig cake directly onto the boil highlights its role as a tangible instrument of healing in the narrative 2 Kings 20:7.
The significance of H1690 is seen in its practical and symbolic applications.
- Sustenance and Restoration: A dᵉbêlâh represents a compact and life-sustaining food. Its ability to revive a man who had gone without food H3899 and water H4325 for three H7969 days H3117 and three H7969 nights H3915 underscores its restorative power 1 Samuel 30:12.
- Instrument of Healing: The use of a lump H1690 of figs as a poultice shows how God can work through common, natural elements to bring about miraculous recovery H2421. It serves as a physical means for a divine act of healing Isaiah 38:21.
- Symbol of Abundance and Joy: In the gathering of supporters for David, cakes H1690 of figs were part of the provisions brought abundantly H7230 because there was joy H8057 in Israel H3478, linking the food to times of unity and celebration 1 Chronicles 12:40.
In summary, H1690 is more than just a reference to a food item. As a cake (lump) of figs, it functions in Scripture as a vital source of sustenance, an instrument for healing, and a symbol of joyful provision. It illustrates how a simple, everyday product can be central to narratives of diplomacy, physical restoration, and national celebration.
TRV