### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dᵉlîy**, represented by `{{H1805}}`, translates as a **bucket**, pail, or jar for drawing water. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Despite its infrequent use, it serves as a powerful and concrete image in both of its occurrences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H1805}}` present contrasting, yet related, themes. In a prophecy of Israel's prosperity, the image of pouring **water** `{{H4325}}` from **buckets** `{{H1805}}` signifies great abundance, leading to the promise that his **seed** `{{H2233}}` will flourish and his **kingdom** `{{H4438}}` will be **exalted** `{{H5375}}` [[Numbers 24:7]]. Conversely, Isaiah uses the term to illustrate the insignificance of earthly powers before God, stating that the nations are like a single **drop** `{{H4752}}` from a **bucket** `{{H1805}}` and are counted as **small dust** `{{H7834}}` on a **balance** `{{H3976}}` [[Isaiah 40:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which **dᵉlîy** is used:
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): This is what a bucket is designed to carry. It symbolizes life and blessing when poured out in abundance [[Numbers 24:7]], and its measurement is a mark of God's power [[Isaiah 40:12]].
* `{{H4752}}` **mar** (a drop): Used in direct connection with the **bucket** in [[Isaiah 40:15]], this word emphasizes extreme smallness and insignificance, illustrating how little the nations weigh in God's estimation.
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed; posterity): The promise of abundant water from the **buckets** in [[Numbers 24:7]] is directly linked to the flourishing of a great **posterity**, a central theme of covenant blessing.
* `{{H3976}}` **môʼzên** (a pair of scales; balances): This term appears in parallel with the **bucket** metaphor in [[Isaiah 40:15]]. Both are instruments of weighing and measuring, used to demonstrate God's sovereignty over all creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1805}}` is found in its dual metaphorical application.
* **Symbol of Abundant Blessing:** In [[Numbers 24:7]], the **buckets** are vessels of divine provision. The overflowing **water** `{{H4325}}` points to God's generous blessing upon his people, resulting in a fruitful **seed** `{{H2233}}` and an exalted **kingdom** `{{H4438}}`.
* **Standard for Divine Comparison:** In [[Isaiah 40:15]], the **bucket** is used as a standard to measure the nations, which amount to nothing more than a stray **drop** `{{H4752}}`. It powerfully illustrates the immense gap between the Creator and the created.
* **Vessel of God's Power:** The term is used to frame two aspects of God's omnipotence: His power to provide for and elevate His people, and His supreme authority before which all worldly powers diminish to almost nothing.
### Summary
In summary, **dᵉlîy** `{{H1805}}` is more than a simple word for a **bucket**. Though appearing only twice, it functions as a potent symbol in Scripture. It effectively conveys the themes of God's overflowing provision and blessing for His people, while also serving as a stark reminder of the insignificance of human nations when compared to His infinite majesty. The word demonstrates how an ordinary, everyday object can be used to illustrate profound theological truths about God's power and sovereignty.
TRV