The Hebrew word dôchan, represented by H1764, is a term for millet. It is a word of uncertain derivation and holds a highly specific place in scripture, as it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its singular usage defines its entire biblical meaning, tying it to a prophetic act of sustenance during a period of judgment.
The sole appearance of H1764 is in Ezekiel 4:9. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God to take six different grains and legumes—wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and fitches—and combine them in a single vessel. From this mixture, he is to make bread that will serve as his food for 390 days while he lies on his side as a sign to the house of Israel. The inclusion of millet is part of a specific, divinely-ordained recipe for this symbolic period.
The context of H1764 places it alongside several other grains and foods, which are its primary related terms:
- H2406 chiṭṭâh (wheat): A primary grain, often listed as a staple of the land and a sign of blessing Deuteronomy 8:8.
- H8184 sᵉʻôrâh (barley): Another key grain, frequently mentioned alongside wheat as a foundational food source Deuteronomy 8:8.
- H6321 pôwl (a bean): A legume used as a foodstuff, also mentioned as part of the provisions brought to David's men 2 Samuel 17:28.
- H5742 ʻâdâsh (a lentil): A legume famously used to make the pottage for which Esau sold his birthright Genesis 25:34.
- H3698 kuççemeth (spelt...rie): A type of grain, listed together with millet in the prophetic command to Ezekiel Ezekiel 4:9.
- H3899 lechem (food...especially bread): The end product of the combined grains. The command is to make bread from the mixture for sustenance Ezekiel 4:9.
The significance of H1764 is derived exclusively from its role in Ezekiel's prophetic ministry.
- Component of a Prophetic Sign: Millet is not presented as a common food but as one ingredient in a unique bread. This bread is part of a dramatic sign-act symbolizing the lengthy siege and coming judgment upon Jerusalem Ezekiel 4:9.
- Symbol of Mixture: The command to combine millet with more common grains like wheat and barley, as well as other ingredients like beans and lentils, points to the nature of the provisions available during the hardship Ezekiel was portraying.
- Ingredient for Sustenance: As part of the mixture for bread H3899, dôchan serves the practical purpose of sustaining the prophet during the 390 days of his difficult demonstration, showing that even in judgment, a measure of provision is made.
In summary, H1764 is a term for millet whose biblical identity is fused to its single mention in scripture. It is not significant as an agricultural product on its own but as an ingredient within the symbolic bread of Ezekiel. Its importance comes from its inclusion in a prophetic act, where it contributes to a mixture representing the difficult sustenance during a period of divine judgment Ezekiel 4:9.
TRV