### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chemdâh**, represented by `{{H2532}}`, is a term signifying **delight**, **desire**, or things that are **pleasant** and **precious**. It appears 25 times across 25 unique verses in the Bible. The word is used to describe the value, beauty, and desirability of people, places, and objects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2532}}` is used in several key contexts. It denotes personal value and divine favor, as when Daniel is called a "man greatly **beloved**" ([[Daniel 10:11]], [[Daniel 10:19]]). It also describes valuable material possessions, such as the "**goodly** vessels of the house of the LORD" taken to Babylon [[2 Chronicles 36:10]], the "**goodly** raiment" of Esau [[Genesis 27:15]], and the "**precious** jewels" found as spoil [[2 Chronicles 20:25]]. The term is frequently applied to the promised land, which is called a "**pleasant** land" ([[Psalms 106:24]], [[Jeremiah 3:19]]), but which is also laid desolate due to disobedience [[Zechariah 7:14]]. It can also signify a more abstract desire, such as the "**desire** of all nations" [[Haggai 2:7]] or the "**desire** of Israel" [[1 Samuel 9:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of what is considered desirable or precious:
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (something prepared, i.e. any apparatus... vessel or weapon): This word frequently appears with `{{H2532}}` to denote objects of value. For instance, those under judgment fall like a "**pleasant** vessel" [[Jeremiah 25:34]], and invaders take "**precious** vessels of silver and of gold" [[Daniel 11:8]].
* `{{H776}}` **ʼerets** (the earth... a land): This term is used to describe the promised land, which `{{H2532}}` qualifies as "**pleasant**" or desirable. However, this divine gift is despised by the people [[Psalms 106:24]] and ultimately laid desolate [[Zechariah 7:14]].
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): As a measure of value, gold is often associated with items described by `{{H2532}}`. Vessels can be "**precious** as gold" [[Ezra 8:27]], and the spoils of **gold** are taken from "**pleasant** furniture" [[Nahum 2:9]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house): The word for house is used in conjunction with `{{H2532}}` to describe the homes that are lost under judgment, as when invaders "destroy thy **pleasant** houses" [[Ezekiel 26:12]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2532}}` is demonstrated through its consistent thematic use:
* **Material and Inherent Value:** `{{H2532}}` is used to describe the worth of a wide range of tangible items, from "**goodly** raiment" [[Genesis 27:15]] and "**precious** jewels" [[2 Chronicles 20:25]] to "**pleasant** pictures" [[Isaiah 2:16]]. This highlights what is considered valuable and desirable.
* **The Desirability of God's Promises:** The term is repeatedly applied to the "**pleasant** land" God gave to Israel [[Jeremiah 3:19]]. The tragedy of disobedience is underscored when the people "despised the **pleasant** land" [[Psalms 106:24]], turning God's gift into a desolation [[Zechariah 7:14]].
* **Personal Worth and Divine Favor:** Beyond objects, `{{H2532}}` signifies personal worth. Daniel is addressed as a man "greatly **beloved**" ([[Daniel 9:23]], [[Daniel 10:11]], [[Daniel 10:19]]), showing a person can be considered precious in the sight of heaven. Conversely, a king's failed reign is summarized by his departure "without being **desired**" [[2 Chronicles 21:20]].
* **Objects of Judgment and Prophecy:** Many things described as "pleasant" or "precious" with `{{H2532}}` become targets of judgment or spoil. These include "**pleasant** houses" [[Ezekiel 26:12]], "**pleasant** vessels" [[Hosea 13:15]], and the "**desire** of all nations" [[Haggai 2:7]], which points to a future fulfillment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2532}}` is a word that encapsulates the concepts of desire, delight, and preciousness. Its application ranges from valuable physical objects like jewels and vessels to the promised land and even the personal worth of an individual. The term powerfully illustrates the contrast between the value of God's blessings and the profound loss experienced when those blessings are removed due to sin and judgment. It serves as a scriptural marker for what is held dear, whether by man or by God.
TRV