### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăvêrâh**, represented by `{{H220}}`, is a term for a **cote** or **stall**. It is noted as a transposition of the word for stall, `{{H723}}`. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H220}}` is found in [[2 Chronicles 32:28]], which details the immense wealth and provisions amassed by Hezekiah. The verse lists "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and **cotes** for flocks." In this context, `{{H220}}` refers to a specific type of shelter built to house flocks, highlighting the organized and extensive nature of the kingdom's agricultural assets. It functions alongside other terms for storage and housing, emphasizing a comprehensive system for managing livestock and produce.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context in which `{{H220}}` appears:
* `{{H723}}` **ʼurvâh** (stall): This word is the source from which `{{H220}}` is transposed. It appears in the same verse, referring to a herding-place for animals and demonstrating a parallel function for housing livestock [[2 Chronicles 32:28]].
* `{{H5739}}` **ʻêder** (flock, herd): This word identifies the animals for which the **cotes** `{{H220}}` were built. It signifies a muster of animals and is used throughout scripture in the context of shepherding and livestock management [[2 Chronicles 32:28]].
* `{{H4543}}` **miçkᵉnâh** (store-house): Used in the same list, this term refers to a magazine or storehouse for agricultural produce. Its inclusion alongside `{{H220}}` paints a picture of comprehensive national wealth, encompassing both harvested crops and sheltered animals [[2 Chronicles 32:28]].
* `{{H8393}}` **tᵉbûwʼâh** (increase, revenue): This term describes the agricultural products like corn, wine, and oil that were kept in storehouses. The provision of **cotes** `{{H220}}` for flocks shows that the care of livestock was an equally important part of this overall "increase" [[2 Chronicles 32:28]].
### Theological Significance
While rare, the appearance of `{{H220}}` carries thematic weight within its specific context, underscoring principles of blessing and stewardship.
* **Abundance and Divine Provision:** The construction of **cotes** is part of a long list of Hezekiah's resources, including storehouses for corn `{{H1715}}`, wine `{{H8492}}`, and oil `{{H3323}}`. This collection represents immense material blessing and divine favor, where every aspect of agricultural wealth, including livestock, is provided for [[2 Chronicles 32:28]].
* **Wise Stewardship:** The existence of specialized structures like stalls `{{H723}}` and **cotes** `{{H220}}` signifies careful management and protection of the assets God had provided. It reflects a practical outworking of responsible leadership over a kingdom's resources.
* **Agricultural Wealth:** The term is firmly rooted in an agrarian economy. Its use highlights that a nation's strength and stability were visibly demonstrated through its ability to not only produce but also to house and sustain its flocks `{{H5739}}` and beasts `{{H929}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H220}}` **ʼăvêrâh** is a specific and seldom-used term for an animal enclosure. Its single biblical appearance in [[2 Chronicles 32:28]] is significant, placing it squarely within a portrait of national prosperity under Hezekiah. The word contributes to a theme of abundant blessing, where the careful stewardship of flocks was a key component of the kingdom's God-given wealth.
TRV