The Hebrew word chereʼ, represented by H2716, is a vulgar term for excrement or dung. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The word derives from an unused root likely meaning to evacuate the bowels, and it is used to depict a state of extreme defilement and desperation.
The single biblical use of H2716 occurs in a moment of intense psychological warfare. During the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, the official named Rabshakeh H7262 taunts the city's defenders. He shouts to the men H582 sitting H3427 on the wall H2346 that his master's H113 message of doom is for them, who will face such dire circumstances that they will be forced to eat H398 their own dung H2716 and drink their own piss Isaiah 36:12. This lone instance uses the word to convey the ultimate horror and humiliation of a siege.
Several related words from its context help illuminate its meaning:
- H6675 tsôwʼâh (excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution; dung, filth(-iness)): This is a direct synonym for H2716 and is listed as a marginal reading for it. It is used to describe both literal and figurative uncleanness, such as the "filth of the daughters of Zion" Isaiah 4:4.
- H7262 Rabshâqêh (chief butler; Rabshakeh, a Babylonian official): This is the title of the official who speaks the verse containing H2716. His role is to deliver a demoralizing message from the king of Assyria to the people of Jerusalem Isaiah 36:13.
- H2346 chôwmâh (a wall of protection; wall, walled): This word establishes the physical setting of the confrontation, as Rabshakeh addresses his threats to the men positioned upon the wall Isaiah 36:12.
The theological weight of H2716 lies entirely in its shocking and symbolic use in its only appearance.
- Extreme Humiliation: The word is used to paint a picture of the ultimate degradation possible in a siege. The threat is not just death but a complete loss of dignity, vividly illustrating the severity of the enemy's taunt Isaiah 36:12.
- Psychological Warfare: As a tool in Rabshakeh's speech, the vulgar term is meant to break the spirit of God's people and undermine their faith. Its graphic nature is intended to create horror and emphasize the hopelessness of their situation.
- Symbol of Defilement: Excrement is inherently unclean. The threat of being forced to consume it serves as a powerful symbol of total defilement, the grim opposite of the holiness and blessing promised to God's people in His city.
In summary, H2716 chereʼ is a rare and coarse word whose singular appearance in Scripture carries significant impact. Deployed by Rabshakeh during a siege, it functions as a tool of psychological warfare, creating a visceral image of desperation and defilement. Its significance is derived not from complex doctrine but from its raw, shocking power to communicate the depths of human humiliation and the horrors of being abandoned to a curse.
TRV