passive participle of the same as חֹמֶשׁ; staunch, i.e. able-bodied soldiers; armed (men), harnessed.
Transliteration:châmush
Pronunciation:khaw-moosh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָמֻשׁ (châmush, Strong's `{{H2571}}`) is a passive participle, primarily conveying the sense of being "armed," "equipped," or "harnessed" for military engagement. Its etymological root is often linked to the noun חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`), which can denote the "loins" or "belly," suggesting the imagery of being girded or prepared for action. This connection implies a state of readiness and physical preparedness, as one would "gird up their loins" for strenuous activity or battle. The definition further elaborates on this, describing individuals who are "staunch" or "able-bodied soldiers," emphasizing not merely the possession of weapons but a state of disciplined readiness and capability for combat. Thus, חָמֻשׁ signifies a people or group that is not only militarily equipped but also organized, robust, and prepared for the rigors of warfare or a challenging journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חָמֻשׁ appears in the Masoretic Text exclusively in contexts relating to the Israelites' military readiness, particularly during the Exodus and the subsequent conquest of Canaan.
1. **[[Exodus 13:18]]**: "But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt *equipped for battle*." Here, חָמֻשׁ describes the state of the Israelites as they departed Egypt. This is highly significant, as it portrays them not as a disorganized, fleeing rabble, but as an ordered, prepared, and capable multitude, even in their vulnerability. This divine orchestration of their departure highlights God's sovereign care and the dignity of His people, even in their initial liberation. It suggests a divine intention for an orderly, rather than chaotic, exodus.
2. **[[Joshua 1:14]]**: "Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you, *all the men of valor, shall pass over armed* before your brothers and shall help them." This verse, part of Joshua's charge to the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh), uses חָמֻשׁ to emphasize their commitment to the conquest. They are to cross the Jordan "armed" or "ready for battle," leading the vanguard of the Israelite army. This signifies their pledge to participate fully in the holy war for the land, demonstrating solidarity and military readiness.
3. **[[Joshua 4:12]]**: "And the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh passed over *armed* before the people of Israel, just as Moses had told them." This passage reiterates the fulfillment of the charge given in [[Joshua 1:14]]. It underscores the obedience and military discipline of these tribes as they honored their commitment, crossing the Jordan River in a state of battle readiness. The repetition reinforces the importance of their role as the armed vanguard in the divinely ordained conquest.
In all occurrences, חָמֻשׁ highlights a state of active, disciplined preparedness, whether for a journey under divine guidance or for direct military engagement. It speaks to the physical readiness and organized nature of the Israelite people under God's command.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for חָמֻשׁ (châmush, `{{H2571}}`) is to חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`), which, as mentioned, can mean "loins" or "belly." This connection supports the idea of being "girded" or "harnessed" for action, much like one would gird their loins for physical exertion. While חֹמֶשׁ can also denote a "fifth part," the military context of חָמֻשׁ makes the "girded/equipped" interpretation more fitting for its passive participle form.
Other related concepts and terms in the biblical lexicon include:
* צָבָא (tsava, `{{H6635}}`): "army," "host," "warfare." This general term for a military force or campaign provides the broader context for חָמֻשׁ.
* חַיִל (chayil, `{{H2428}}`): "strength," "valor," "army," "wealth." Often used to describe "men of valor" or a strong fighting force.
* נֶשֶׁק (nesheq, `{{H5402}}`): "weapons," "armor." This refers to the actual implements of war that חָמֻשׁ implies one possesses.
* כְּלִי (keli, `{{H3627}}`): "vessel," "implement," "equipment." Can refer to military gear.
The concept of "holy war" or "Yahweh's wars" is also closely related, as the readiness signified by חָמֻשׁ is often in the service of God's redemptive and judgmental purposes for His people and the nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָמֻשׁ lies in its portrayal of God's people as both divinely led and humanly prepared for the tasks set before them.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**: The fact that the Israelites left Egypt חָמֻשׁ (armed/harnessed) in [[Exodus 13:18]] is not a testament to their own military might, but to God's ordering of their departure. It suggests that even in their liberation, they were not a chaotic mob but an organized body, reflecting God's providential care and His purposeful direction. Yet, it also emphasizes their human readiness and obedience to divine command.
2. **The Nature of the Conquest**: In Joshua, the term underscores the serious and active participation of the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. They were not merely passive recipients of God's victory but active agents, חָמֻשׁ and ready to fight under divine leadership. This highlights the covenantal partnership where God provides the victory, but His people are called to be prepared, obedient, and courageous in the face of the enemy.
3. **Discipline and Readiness**: The word implies a certain level of discipline and organization within the community. God does not lead an undisciplined horde but a people capable of following commands and executing a divine plan. This speaks to the call for God's people to be prepared – physically, mentally, and spiritually – for the challenges and callings He places before them.
4. **Beyond the Literal**: While חָמֻשׁ is used literally for military readiness, it can serve as a theological metaphor for spiritual preparedness. Just as the Israelites were equipped for physical battle, believers are called to be "armed" with the armor of God (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18) for spiritual warfare, ready to stand firm in faith and obedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew term חָמֻשׁ (châmush, `{{H2571}}`) signifies a state of being "armed," "equipped," or "harnessed" for battle, denoting not only the possession of weapons but also a disciplined, able-bodied, and staunch readiness for military engagement or a challenging journey. Its few occurrences in the Old Testament are highly significant, describing the Israelites' ordered departure from Egypt ([[Exodus 13:18]]) and the battle-ready posture of the Transjordanian tribes during the conquest of Canaan ([[Joshua 1:14]], [[Joshua 4:12]]). Theologically, חָמֻשׁ illustrates the interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility: God leads and provides, but His people are called to be prepared, obedient, and actively engaged in His purposes. It portrays a people under divine command, characterized by discipline and readiness for the tasks that lie ahead, whether for liberation or for the inheritance of His promises.
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