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