The Hebrew word yâshêsh, represented by H3486, describes one who is gray-haired or an aged man who has come to stoop for age. Its meaning is derived from an unused root signifying "to blanch." This specific and evocative term for extreme old age is exceedingly rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entirety of scripture, making its single usage particularly significant.
The sole appearance of H3486 is in 2 Chronicles 36:17, which recounts the devastating fall of Jerusalem to the king of the Chaldees H3778. The verse describes an indiscriminate slaughter in the very house H1004 of the sanctuary H4720. The invaders had no compassion H2550 upon a wide range of people: "young man H970 or maiden H1330, old man H2205, or him that stooped for age H3486." The inclusion of H3486 at the end of this list emphasizes the complete and utter ruthlessness of the judgment, extending even to the most physically frail and vulnerable individuals in the society.
The context of H3486 is illuminated by the words used alongside it in 2 Chronicles 36:17:
- H2205 zâqên (old man): This general term for an old or aged person is used in conjunction with H3486, suggesting that "him that stooped for age" represents a degree of frailty even beyond that of a typical elder. It often appears in contexts contrasting age groups, such as "young men H970 and old H2205 together" Jeremiah 31:13.
- H970 bâchûwr (young man): This word for a youth or choice young man stands in stark contrast to H3486. Their slaughter in the same event highlights the all-encompassing nature of the destruction, where neither the vigor of youth nor the vulnerability of old age was spared Jeremiah 31:13.
- H2550 châmal (to have compassion, pity, spare): This word is central to understanding the verse's meaning. The text explicitly states the conquerors "had no compassion" H2550. This action stands as the opposite of God's promised mercy, as when the Lord says He will pity H2550 His people Joel 2:18.
- H2026 hârag (to slay): This primitive root meaning to smite with deadly intent is the primary action of the verse. The Chaldees came to slay H2026 the people of Judah, an act of judgment that began at the sanctuary Ezekiel 9:6.
The theological weight of H3486 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- Totality of Judgment: The use of H3486 demonstrates that God's judgment on Judah was absolute and without exception. Every demographic, from the young man H970 to the maiden H1330 to the old man H2205 and finally to the most infirm, was given H5414 into the hand H3027 of the king H4428 of the Chaldees H3778.
- Extreme Vulnerability: The image of one who "stooped for age" conveys a state of profound helplessness. That such a person was slain H2026 without pity underscores the severity of the punishment and the complete withdrawal of divine protection from the nation.
- The Absence of Mercy: The statement that there was no compassion H2550 is a terrifying theological declaration. It signifies a moment where the consequences of rebellion were allowed to unfold in their most brutal form, serving as a stark warning about defying God's covenant.
In summary, H3486 yâshêsh is a highly specific term whose meaning is inseparable from its only context. It signifies a person bent over with extreme age, representing the utmost in human frailty. Its appearance in 2 Chronicles 36:17 serves as the climactic example in a list of those slain during the Babylonian conquest, illustrating the comprehensive and merciless nature of a divine judgment enacted without compassion H2550. The word powerfully portrays the terrible reality that when judgment comes, no one is exempt.
TRV