The Hebrew word dabbesheth, represented by H1707, refers to the hunch (of a camel). Derived from a root word suggesting a sticky mass, it is used specifically for this distinctive feature of a camel. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its context particularly significant.
The single appearance of H1707 is in Isaiah 30:6, within a prophetic "burden H4853 of the beasts H929 of the south H5045." The verse describes a desperate journey through a "land H776 of trouble H6869 and anguish H6695," which is home to lions (H3833, H3918) and serpents (H660, H8314). In this dangerous setting, emissaries carry their riches H2428 and treasures H214 on beasts of burden. Specifically, the treasures are loaded "upon the bunches H1707 of camels H1581" as part of a futile effort to secure an alliance with "a people H5971 that shall not profit H3276 them."
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of H1707:
- H1581 gâmâl (camel): This is the animal upon which the bunch H1707 is found. Camels were significant beasts of burden and a primary indicator of wealth, as seen in the substance of Job, who owned three thousand camels Job 1:3, and the gifts given to Abraham's master Genesis 24:35.
- H4853 massâʼ (burden): This word sets the theme for the passage in Isaiah 30:6. It can refer to a physical load, an utterance, or a prophecy. The bunch of the camel is what bears the physical burden of the treasures being carried.
- H214 ʼôwtsâr (treasure): This is what was being carried upon the camel's bunch H1707. It refers to a depository or stored wealth, such as the treasure house of God Daniel 1:2 or the treasures of wickedness Micah 6:10.
- H2428 chayil (riches): Also loaded onto the animals, this word signifies wealth, resources, or a force of men. It underscores the value of what was being risked on this pointless journey, as God is the one who gives power to get wealth Deuteronomy 8:18.
The theological weight of H1707 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context in Isaiah's prophecy.
- Symbol of Futile Effort: The camel's bunch H1707 is laden with treasures for a journey to a people that "shall not profit H3276" Isaiah 30:6. This makes it a symbol of a burdensome and pointless work, representing the folly of placing trust in human alliances and material wealth over God.
- Misuse of Strength: A camel's hunch enables it to endure long and difficult journeys. In this passage, this God-given feature is used to carry riches through a dangerous land on a mission that defies God's will. It illustrates how natural strengths and resources can be squandered on endeavors that lead away from divine help.
- The Burden of Faithlessness: The image of treasures piled on the camels' bunches H1707 serves as a vivid metaphor for the heavy cost of faithlessness. The journey is made through a "land of trouble H6869 and anguish H6695," showing that turning away from God leads to hardship, not security.
In summary, H1707 dabbesheth is a precise term used once to identify the hunch of a camel. Its sole appearance in Isaiah 30:6 embeds it in a prophecy about the foolishness of relying on worldly alliances. The image of treasures carried upon a camel's bunch through a perilous land powerfully illustrates the burdensome and unprofitable nature of seeking security in material wealth instead of trusting in God.
TRV