### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3116}}` (Yûwkal), transliterated as Jucal or Jukal, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "a form of יְהוּכַל" (Yehûkal). While the precise etymology of `{{H3116}}` itself is not directly provided beyond its connection to Yehukal, names containing the root יכל (y-k-l), such as `{{H3201}}` (yakol), generally convey the sense of "to be able," "to prevail," "to overcome," or "to be capable." Thus, the name Jucal likely carries the meaning "He is able" or "Yahweh is able/will prevail," implying divine capability or the capacity for success. However, as a proper name, its semantic range is primarily limited to its identification of a specific individual within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jucal, son of Shelemiah, appears twice in the book of Jeremiah, identifying him as a prominent official during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah.
* **[[Jeremiah 37:3]]**: Jucal is first mentioned as one of two officials, along with Zephaniah the priest, sent by King Zedekiah to the prophet Jeremiah. Their mission was to entreat Jeremiah to pray to the Lord on behalf of the remnant of Judah, as the Babylonian army had temporarily withdrawn from Jerusalem. This shows Jucal's position of influence and proximity to the king, even if his request was born out of desperation rather than genuine repentance or belief in Jeremiah's message.
* **[[Jeremiah 38:1]]**: Jucal, again identified as the son of Shelemiah, is found among a group of princes who heard Jeremiah's dire prophecy concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the counsel to surrender to the Babylonians. Enraged by Jeremiah's message, which they perceived as demoralizing and treasonous, Jucal and his companions accuse Jeremiah before the king, demanding his execution. They declare, "Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them" [[Jeremiah 38:4]]. This passage reveals Jucal as a staunch opponent of Jeremiah's prophetic word, actively seeking to silence and harm the prophet. His actions demonstrate a profound resistance to God's revealed will, prioritizing political and military considerations over divine truth.
In both instances, Jucal is portrayed as a key figure in Zedekiah's court, deeply involved in the political and religious turmoil preceding Jerusalem's destruction. His role is consistently that of an antagonist to Jeremiah, representing the faction that stubbornly resisted the Lord's call to repentance and submission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The underlying root of Jucal's name, יכל (y-k-l), is significantly related to the concept of ability and power.
* **`{{H3201}}` (yakol)**: This verb means "to be able, to prevail, to overcome." It is used throughout the Old Testament to describe human capability (e.g., [[Genesis 13:6]], "they were not able to dwell together") and, more importantly, God's omnipotence (e.g., [[Genesis 18:14]], "Is anything too hard for the LORD?").
* **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Resistance**: The narrative involving Jucal highlights the tension between God's absolute ability and sovereignty (often expressed through His prophets) and humanity's limited capacity and frequent resistance. Despite Jucal's position of power and his attempts to silence Jeremiah, he ultimately could not prevent the fulfillment of God's word concerning Jerusalem's fall.
* **Prophetic Opposition**: Jucal stands alongside other figures who actively opposed God's prophets, such as Pashhur (Jeremiah 20) or Hananiah (Jeremiah 28). Their opposition underscores the challenging nature of prophetic ministry and the human inclination to reject uncomfortable truths.
### Theological Significance
The character of Jucal, despite his name's potential meaning of "He is able," serves as a poignant theological counterpoint. His actions demonstrate a profound *inability* to discern or submit to God's will, and ultimately, an *inability* to prevail against the divine message conveyed through Jeremiah.
1. **Rejection of Divine Counsel**: Jucal embodies the human tendency to reject uncomfortable divine counsel, especially when it contradicts prevailing political or nationalistic sentiments. His desire to have Jeremiah executed shows a preference for a false sense of security over the painful truth of God's judgment.
2. **The Irony of the Name**: The potential meaning of "He is able" stands in stark ironic contrast to Jucal's role. He was unable to prevent Jerusalem's destruction, unable to silence God's prophet, and ultimately unable to change the divine decree. This highlights that true ability and power reside with God, not with human officials, however influential.
3. **God's Protection of His Word and Prophets**: Jucal's persistent efforts to harm Jeremiah ultimately failed. Despite being cast into a cistern, Jeremiah was rescued, and his prophecies were fulfilled. This narrative underscores God's unwavering ability to protect His messengers and ensure the triumph of His word, even in the face of powerful human opposition.
### Summary
Jucal (`{{H3116}}`, Yûwkal), son of Shelemiah, was a prominent official in King Zedekiah's court during the final days of Judah. Despite his name potentially signifying "He is able," Jucal is consistently portrayed as an antagonist to the prophet Jeremiah, actively seeking to silence and condemn him for delivering God's unpopular message of surrender to Babylon. His actions exemplify the human resistance to divine truth and the futility of opposing God's sovereign will. The narrative of Jucal serves as a powerful reminder that true ability and ultimate triumph belong to God, who protects His word and His prophets, even when faced with the most determined human opposition.
TRV