### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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."
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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