The Hebrew word châçan, represented by H2630, is a primitive root meaning to hoard or lay up. Its core idea is to make something compact for storage. Appearing just 1 time in a single verse, its significance is derived from the specific context in which it is used, highlighting a contrast between worldly accumulation and divine purpose.
The sole biblical appearance of H2630 is in Isaiah 23:18, in a prophecy concerning Tyre. The verse declares that the city's "merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD." This wealth "shall not be treasured nor laid up," directly opposing the act of hoarding. Instead, the profits are designated for those who "dwell before the LORD," to be used for practical needs such as sufficient food and durable clothing. The use of châçan in this passage defines it as an action contrary to the sacred use of resources.
Several related words in its context clarify the meaning of H2630:
- H686 'âtsar (to store up): Used in parallel with châçan in Isaiah 23:18, this word also means to treasure or store up. The verse's prohibition against both actions emphasizes the idea that wealth consecrated to God is not to be stockpiled.
- H5504 çachar (profit from trade; merchandise): This is the object that is not to be laid up. In Isaiah 23:18, the merchandise of Tyre is redirected from worldly gain to a holy purpose, providing for God's people.
- H3427 yâshab (to dwell, to remain): This word identifies the recipients of the resources that are not hoarded. The merchandise is for "them that dwell before the LORD" Isaiah 23:18, showing that the proper use of wealth is to sustain the community of faith.
The theological weight of H2630 comes from its unique, negative application.
- Consecration over Accumulation: The instruction not to lay up H2630 Tyre's wealth demonstrates a principle where material gain is sanctified not by hoarding it, but by dedicating it to the LORD's purposes Isaiah 23:18.
- Divine Provision: The purpose of this dedicated wealth is to provide for God's people. It is meant to be used actively "to eat sufficiently" H7654 and for "durable clothing" H4374, rather than being stored away.
- Redemption of Commerce: The prophecy transforms Tyre's "merchandise" H5504 and "hire" H868, often associated with worldly or even idolatrous gain, into something that is "holiness to the LORD" H6944, showing that commercial profits can serve a sacred function.
In summary, H2630 châçan carries a focused meaning of hoarding or laying up wealth. Its single appearance in scripture serves as a powerful illustration of a key theological principle: resources dedicated to God are intended for active use in providing for His people, not for idle accumulation. The word stands in direct contrast to the concept of using material blessings for the immediate and ongoing needs of the faithful who dwell in God's presence.
TRV