The Hebrew word kuççemeth, represented by H3698, refers to a type of grain identified as spelt or rie. The name is derived from a root word suggesting bristliness, as if shorn. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, consistently listed among other staple agricultural products.
In the biblical narrative, H3698 is used in distinct agricultural and prophetic contexts. In Egypt, it was one of the crops, along with wheat, that survived the plague of hail because its growth cycle was later than the barley and flax Exodus 9:32. Isaiah uses it in a parable about a farmer's wisdom, where rie is planted in its designated place along with wheat and barley, illustrating God's purposeful order Isaiah 28:25. Prophetically, Ezekiel is commanded to mix fitches with wheat, barley, and other grains to make bread as a sign of the scarcity during the coming siege of Jerusalem Ezekiel 4:9.
Several related agricultural terms provide context for the use and significance of H3698:
- H2406 chiṭṭâh (wheat): This primary grain is mentioned alongside H3698 in all three of its occurrences, establishing them as key crops grown together (Exodus 9:32, Isaiah 28:25, Ezekiel 4:9).
- H8184 sᵉʻôrâh (barley): Defined as barley, this grain is also paired with H3698 in passages about planting and provisions, highlighting its role as a fundamental food source (Isaiah 28:25, Ezekiel 4:9).
- H7100 qetsach (fitches): This term, for fennelflower, appears in Isaiah's parable of the farmer. While H3698 is sometimes translated as 'fitches', in this passage H7100 is cast abroad while H3698 is planted as rie, demonstrating the variety of crops cultivated Isaiah 28:25.
- H3646 kammôn (cummin): A spice scattered by the wise farmer in Isaiah's parable, mentioned in the same breath as the planting of rie H3698, showcasing the detailed and ordered nature of agriculture Isaiah 28:25.
The significance of H3698 is drawn directly from its agricultural role and symbolic use in Scripture.
- Divine Sovereignty: The survival of the rie during the plague of hail demonstrates God's precise control over His judgments, sparing certain parts of creation while striking others based on His timing and purpose Exodus 9:32.
- God's Ordered Wisdom: In Isaiah, the proper planting of rie is part of a larger metaphor for God's unerring wisdom. Just as a farmer understands the right method for each seed, God governs the world with perfect knowledge and order Isaiah 28:25.
- Sustenance in Judgment: As an ingredient in Ezekiel's siege bread, fitches represent a form of sustenance, however meager, that God provides even in a time of severe judgment and scarcity Ezekiel 4:9.
In summary, H3698 is a specific grain, either spelt or rie, that plays a quiet but important role in the biblical text. Though mentioned only three times, its appearances are significant, marking it as a staple crop used to illustrate themes of God's sovereignty over nature, His divine wisdom and order, and His provision even in times of judgment. It consistently appears with wheat and barley, grounding its meaning firmly in the agricultural life of ancient Israel.
TRV