or (shortened) חֲמֹר; from חָמַר; a male ass (from its dun red); (he) ass.
Transliteration:chămôwr
Pronunciation:kham-ore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2543}}` (châmôwr) refers primarily to the "male ass" or "donkey." Its etymology is often linked to the root `{{H2544}}` (châmar), which can denote "to be red" or "to ferment," suggesting a connection to the common reddish-brown or dun color of donkeys in the ancient Near East. While specifically denoting the male, châmôwr is frequently used generically in the Hebrew Bible to refer to donkeys in general, especially when the gender distinction is not crucial. It signifies a domesticated animal, integral to the economic, social, and daily life of ancient Israel and its surrounding cultures. Its semantic range encompasses its utility as a beast of burden, a mode of transport, and a valuable possession.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The `{{H2543}}` appears over 100 times in the Old Testament, underscoring its pervasive presence in biblical life. Contextual analysis reveals several key roles:
* **Transportation:** Donkeys were the primary means of personal travel and transport for goods. Abraham rode a donkey when going to sacrifice Isaac [[Genesis 22:3]], and Balaam famously rode his châmôwr when confronted by the angel of the Lord [[Numbers 22:21]]. Goods were routinely loaded onto donkeys for journeys [[Genesis 42:26]], [[1 Samuel 16:20]].
* **Wealth and Status:** The possession of many donkeys indicated significant wealth and prosperity, alongside other livestock. Abraham's initial blessing included "male and female donkeys" [[Genesis 12:16]], and Job's immense wealth before his trials included "five hundred female donkeys" and "five hundred male donkeys" [[Job 1:3]].
* **Agricultural Labor:** While oxen were more common for plowing, donkeys were also used. The Mosaic Law prohibited plowing with an ox and a châmôwr yoked together [[Deuteronomy 22:10]], a command interpreted as maintaining distinct categories and perhaps preventing undue strain on the weaker animal.
* **Military Logistics:** Though less prominent than horses in warfare, donkeys were essential for transporting supplies and baggage for armies.
* **Extreme Circumstances:** In times of severe famine, the desperate conditions could lead to the consumption of donkey meat, as tragically illustrated during the siege of Samaria [[2 Kings 6:25]], where a donkey's head was sold at an exorbitant price.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H2543}}` is enhanced by examining its relationship with other biblical terms:
* `{{H2544}}` (châmar): The root verb, meaning "to be red," "to ferment," or "to boil up," suggesting the color or perhaps the spirited nature of the animal.
* `{{H860}}` (aton): The "female donkey" or "she-ass," often mentioned alongside châmôwr to denote a complete herd or the species in general, such as in the listing of Job's possessions.
* `{{H6504}}` (pere'): The "wild ass" or "onager," representing untamed freedom and wilderness, a stark contrast to the domesticated châmôwr [[Job 39:5-8]].
* `{{H5435}}` (sûs): The "horse," frequently associated with military power, human strength, and worldly glory. The biblical narrative often contrasts the horse with the donkey, particularly in messianic prophecy.
* `{{H1241}}` (ba'al): "Owner" or "master," often used in the context of owning livestock, including donkeys, highlighting their value as property.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H2543}}` holds profound theological significance, particularly in two key areas:
* **Divine Intervention and Humility:** The narrative of Balaam and his châmôwr in [[Numbers 22]] is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to use the humble and unexpected to convey His will. The donkey's ability to see the angel of the Lord, while the prophet remains blind, serves as a divine rebuke and a demonstration that God can open the eyes of even a beast to spiritual reality before a human. This highlights God's control over all creation and His capacity to humble the proud.
* **Messianic Prophecy and Kingship:** The most impactful theological implication of the châmôwr is its role in messianic prophecy. [[Zechariah 9:9]] prophesies, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophecy directly contrasts the expected image of a conquering king riding a warhorse with a humble king arriving on a châmôwr. Jesus' deliberate fulfillment of this prophecy during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem [[Matthew 21:1-9]], [[John 12:12-19]] underscores His peaceful, humble, and spiritual kingship, distinct from worldly power and military might. It signifies a kingdom not built on human strength but on divine humility and grace.
### Summary
The `{{H2543}}` (châmôwr), or male ass/donkey, was an indispensable animal in ancient Israel, serving practical roles in transportation, agriculture, and as a measure of wealth. Its etymology likely points to its common reddish-brown coloration. Theologically, the châmôwr transcends its utilitarian function to become a significant symbol. It features prominently in the account of Balaam, illustrating God's ability to communicate through unexpected means and humble human arrogance. Most crucially, the châmôwr is central to messianic prophecy, portraying the Messiah as a humble, peaceful king who comes not with military might but with salvation, fulfilling the vision of [[Zechariah 9:9]] through Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Thus, the châmôwr embodies themes of humility, divine providence, and a kingship radically different from human expectations.
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