### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **challâq**, represented by `{{H2511}}`, means **smooth**. It is derived from a root word meaning smooth and appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular usage highlights a specific form of idolatry, where the physical smoothness of an object becomes its defining, worship-worthy characteristic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2511}}` is in [[Isaiah 57:6]], within a sharp rebuke of faithless Israel. The verse states, "Among the **smooth** stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering." Here, the people have chosen literal **smooth** stones from a **stream** `{{H5158}}` as their objects of worship. These stones have become their **portion** `{{H2506}}` and their **lot** `{{H1486}}`, replacing God as their rightful inheritance. The passage details their illicit worship, which includes pouring a **drink offering** `{{H5262}}` and bringing a **meat offering** `{{H4503}}`, culminating in God's poignant question, "Should I receive **comfort** `{{H5162}}` in these?"
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the gravity of this idolatrous act:
* `{{H1486}}` **gôwrâl** (lot): This word properly means a pebble, used for casting lots, but figuratively refers to a **portion** or destiny. The people have literally made stones their destiny, a direct perversion of looking to God who maintains their **lot** [[Psalms 16:5]].
* `{{H2506}}` **chêleq** (portion): This word, which can mean an allotment or **inheritance**, is what the people have declared the stones to be. This stands in stark contrast to the declaration of the faithful that the Lord is their **portion** ([[Psalms 73:26]], [[Numbers 18:20]]).
* `{{H5158}}` **nachal** (stream): Defined as a **stream** or winter torrent, this is the location where the idols were found. While streams can be symbols of God's provision and righteousness [[Amos 5:24]], here the stream bed is the source of faithless worship.
* `{{H5262}}` **neçek** (drink offering): Meaning a libation or **molten image**, this word describes the offering given to the smooth stones. This act of devotion, which belongs to God as part of prescribed worship [[Ezekiel 45:17]], is instead directed toward false gods.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2511}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful context:
* **The Nature of Idolatry:** The use of **smooth** stones highlights how idolatry can fixate on any tangible, earthly attribute. The people forsook the God of Israel for inanimate objects chosen from a **stream** [[Isaiah 57:6]].
* **Rejection of Divine Inheritance:** By making stones their **portion** `{{H2506}}` and **lot** `{{H1486}}`, the people explicitly rejected God as their inheritance, a core tenet of their covenant relationship [[Numbers 18:20]]. Their destiny was tied to a rock, but not the true Rock of their salvation.
* **Misplaced Worship:** The act of pouring out a **drink offering** `{{H5262}}` and a **meat offering** `{{H4503}}` to these stones is a profound betrayal. These acts of worship were meant to be directed to the Lord alone [[Malachi 3:3]].
* **Divine Displeasure:** God’s response, "Should I receive **comfort** `{{H5162}}` in these?" reveals His deep sorrow and rejection of their empty rituals. True comfort comes from God [[Isaiah 40:1]], not from the lifeless objects of a polluted worship.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2511}}` **challâq** is a highly specific term whose meaning is inseparable from its context in [[Isaiah 57:6]]. While it simply means **smooth**, it functions as a powerful indictment against idolatry. It illustrates the human tendency to replace the living God with tangible, yet lifeless, substitutes, thereby trading a divine **portion** for smooth stones from a stream and forfeiting the **comfort** that only God can provide.
TRV