The Hebrew word chăphôr, represented by H2661, is defined as a burrower, likely a rat, and is used for the word mole. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse. The term is derived from a root meaning "a hole" and is specifically noted as appearing in connection with H6512 pêrâh, with which it is joined to form a single concept.
The single biblical usage of H2661 occurs in a prophetic declaration in Isaiah 2:20. The verse states that "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats". Here, H2661 appears alongside H6512 to describe the lowly creatures to whom the worthless idols are thrown. This act symbolizes a complete rejection of man-made objects of worship.
Several related words from Isaiah 2:20 provide crucial context for the meaning of H2661:
- H457 ʼĕlîyl (idol): This term, meaning "good for nothing" or "an idol," describes the objects being cast away. It is used for both the idols of silver and gold in the passage Isaiah 2:20.
- H6512 pêrâh (mole): Defined as "a hole (as broken, i.e. dug)," this word is used in conjunction with H2661 to create the phrase translated as "moles," emphasizing the creature's nature as a burrower Isaiah 2:20.
- H5847 ʻăṭallêph (bat): This word for bat is paired directly with "moles" as the other recipient of the rejected idols, signifying that these once-worshipped items are being discarded to creatures of the dark and unclean places Isaiah 2:20.
The theological weight of H2661 is derived entirely from its singular, vivid appearance in scripture.
- The Futility of Idolatry: The act of throwing idols made of gold H2091 and silver H3701 to the moles demonstrates their ultimate worthlessness. This aligns with the prophetic theme that material wealth cannot save, as stated in Zephaniah 1:18: "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath."
- Rejection of False Worship: The idols were created specifically "to worship" H7812. Discarding them to burrowing animals is a powerful symbol of contempt for false worship and a reversal of what was once held sacred. This act fulfills the spirit of the command not to "bow down" H7812 to idols Leviticus 26:1.
- The Day of Judgment: The context of Isaiah 2:20 is "that day," a time of divine judgment. The casting away of idols to the moles and bats is a consequence of this judgment, when the vanity of man's creations is exposed in the presence of God.
In summary, H2661 chăphôr is a highly specific term whose significance is concentrated in a single, powerful image. Used with H6512 to mean mole, its role in Isaiah 2:20 serves as a stark illustration of judgment against idolatry. The prophetic vision of precious idols being thrown into dark holes for burrowing creatures powerfully conveys the worthlessness of man-made gods when confronted with divine reality.
TRV