### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dôber**, represented by `{{H1699}}`, refers to a **pasture**, **fold**, or **manner**. It is derived from a root word signifying the arrangement of a flock. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, highlighting a specific pastoral concept in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H1699}}` illustrate its connection to flocks and their environment. In [[Micah 2:12]], God promises to gather the remnant of Israel "as the flock in the midst of their **fold**," indicating a place of security and organized gathering. In contrast, [[Isaiah 5:17]] uses the word to describe how lambs will "feed after their **manner**," which points to the natural, customary way a flock grazes in its designated pasture.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the pastoral imagery associated with `{{H1699}}`:
* `{{H7462}}` **râʻâh** (to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it): This word, used in [[Isaiah 5:17]], describes the action of feeding that takes place within the **manner** or pasture of `{{H1699}}`. It is the root for words like "pastor" and "shepherd" [[Psalms 23:1]].
* `{{H6908}}` **qâbats** (to grasp, i.e. collect): This term for gathering is used in [[Micah 2:12]] to describe the act of bringing God's people together into the **fold** `{{H1699}}`, an action God promises to His scattered flock [[Ezekiel 34:13]].
* `{{H622}}` **ʼâçaph** (to gather for any purpose): Also appearing in [[Micah 2:12]], this word reinforces the theme of divine assembly. It is used for gathering people, such as when God gathers His saints [[Psalms 50:5]] or when Abraham was "gathered to his people" in death [[Genesis 25:8]].
* `{{H1949}}` **hûwm** (to make an uproar, or agitate greatly): This word describes the result of the gathering in [[Micah 2:12]], where the multitude in the **fold** will "make great noise," signifying a place teeming with life and activity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1699}}` is centered on God's role as the Shepherd of Israel.
* **Divine Restoration:** The concept of the "fold" is a powerful image of God's promise to restore His people. After being scattered, God will actively gather the remnant of His flock and bring them to a place of safety and community ([[Micah 2:12]], [[Jeremiah 23:3]]).
* **Security and Order:** The "fold" `{{H1699}}` represents a divinely appointed place of security and arrangement. It is where the flock is protected, organized, and able to thrive under the shepherd's care, a direct contrast to being scattered or destroyed [[Jeremiah 23:1]].
* **Promised Abundance:** The consequence of being gathered into the "fold" is life and vitality. This is seen in the "great noise by reason of the multitude" in [[Micah 2:12]] and in the peaceful feeding of lambs "after their manner" in [[Isaiah 5:17]], both pointing to God's provision.
### Summary
In summary, **dôber** `{{H1699}}` is a focused term that, while rare, carries significant theological weight. It denotes the secure and orderly environment of a flock, whether a physical **fold** or the characteristic **manner** of life within a pasture. It serves as a key image for God's covenant promise to gather, protect, and provide for His people, transforming them from a scattered remnant into a thriving and populous community.
TRV