### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châçam**, represented by `{{H2629}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to muzzle**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Beyond its literal definition, it is also used by analogy **to stop the nose**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical occurrences of `{{H2629}}` demonstrate its literal and metaphorical applications. In the Law, it is used as a direct command regarding the treatment of a working animal: "Thou shalt not **muzzle** the ox when he treadeth out the corn" [[Deuteronomy 25:4]]. In prophecy, it is used figuratively to describe the overwhelming outcome of God's judgment against Gog, where the stench of mass graves "shall **stop** the noses of the passengers" [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of `{{H2629}}`:
* `{{H7794}}` **shôwr** (ox): This is the word for the animal that is the subject of the command in Deuteronomy. The law explicitly forbids muzzling the **ox** while it is working [[Deuteronomy 25:4]].
* `{{H6912}}` **qâbar** (to bury): This verb is central to the prophecy in Ezekiel, as the act to **bury** Gog's multitude is what produces the effect that will **stop** the noses of travelers [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
* `{{H6913}}` **qeber** (grave, sepulchre): This noun identifies the "place of **graves**" given to Gog's army. It is this mass **sepulchre** that creates the scene described by the metaphorical use of `{{H2629}}` [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2629}}` is seen in its two distinct contexts.
* **A Principle of Mercy and Provision:** The literal use of `{{H2629}}` in the Law demonstrates a principle of compassion. The command not to **muzzle** the **ox** `{{H7794}}` as it works ensures that the creature is provided for from the labor it performs [[Deuteronomy 25:4]].
* **A Symbol of Overwhelming Judgment:** Metaphorically, the word conveys the totality of divine judgment. The stench from the burial of Gog's multitude is prophesied to be so great it will "stop" the noses of passengers, signifying a divine act so final and vast that it physically impacts the landscape [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2629}}` **châçam** is a specific term with two powerful and distinct applications in scripture. From the literal command to not **muzzle** a working animal in [[Deuteronomy 25:4]] to its metaphorical use describing the overwhelming consequence of divine judgment in [[Ezekiel 39:11]], the word illustrates both a principle of mercy in the law and the profound finality of God's prophetic wrath.
TRV