The Hebrew word kûwmâz, represented by H3558, refers to a type of jewel or tablet. It appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The word is derived from an unused root meaning to store away, which suggests it was a valuable item kept for its preciousness.
The use of H3558 is confined to two significant offerings to the LORD. In the first instance, it is listed among the "jewels of gold" brought by willing-hearted men and women as a contribution for the tabernacle Exodus 35:22. Later, it appears among the spoils of war that were brought as an oblation "to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD" Numbers 31:50. In both contexts, it is an article of gold dedicated to a sacred purpose.
Several other terms for ornaments and valuable items appear alongside kûwmâz, providing a richer picture of the offerings:
- H2397 châch (bracelet, chain, hook): Listed as bracelets in the tabernacle offering Exodus 35:22, this word is also used to describe a hook placed in the nose or jaws as a sign of divine judgment and control 2 Kings 19:28.
- H2885 ṭabbaʻath (ring): In addition to being an offered item, this word can denote a ring of authority, such as the signet ring Pharaoh took from his own hand and gave to Joseph Genesis 41:42.
- H3627 kᵉlîy (jewel, vessel, weapon): This general term, translated as jewels in the offering context Exodus 35:22, can refer to any prepared apparatus, including the sacred vessels of the LORD Isaiah 52:11 or weapons of war Jeremiah 51:20.
The theological significance of H3558 is derived entirely from the contexts in which it is offered.
- Willing Contribution: The inclusion of tablets in the freewill offerings for the tabernacle highlights the people's generosity and the devotion of personal treasures to the construction of a place for God's presence Exodus 35:22.
- Atonement through Valuables: In its second occurrence, the offering of tablets and other gold items is explicitly purposed "to make an atonement for our souls," linking material wealth taken as spoil to a need for spiritual reconciliation Numbers 31:50.
- Sanctification of Wealth: In both narratives, kûwmâz is part of a collection of gold items surrendered to the LORD. This demonstrates the principle of consecrating personal and captured wealth for holy use.
In summary, H3558 is a specific term for a valuable ornament whose importance is understood through its function in scripture. Though appearing only twice, it is consistently presented as a precious gold item willingly surrendered for a sacred purpose. The word kûwmâz illustrates how personal treasures could be transformed into holy offerings, used to build the tabernacle and to secure atonement before the LORD.
TRV