The Hebrew word leqesh, represented by H3954, refers to the after crop; latter growth. This term is quite rare, appearing only 2 times within a single verse of scripture. Its meaning is tied to the agricultural cycle, specifically the growth that appears after an initial harvest.
The sole context for H3954 is a prophetic vision given to Amos. In this vision, the Lord GOD shows him the formation of grasshoppers timed precisely "in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth" Amos 7:1. The verse emphasizes the timing by noting that this latter growth appeared "after the king's mowings," suggesting it was a second, crucial crop that the people relied on after the primary royal share was taken.
Several related words in the passage clarify the scene and its components:
- H1488 gêz (mowing, mown grass): This refers to the initial harvest, specifically the "king's mowings," which precedes the arrival of the latter growth Amos 7:1. It sets the stage for what comes next.
- H5927 ʻâlâh (shoot forth (up), spring (up)): This word describes the action of the leqesh, its "shooting up" from the ground, signifying a new phase of agricultural life Amos 7:1.
- H310 ʼachar (after): This simple conjunction is key to the narrative, establishing that the latter growth only appears after the first mowing is complete Amos 7:1.
- H1462 gôwb (grasshopper): These are the agents of destruction that the Lord GOD "formed" to consume the latter growth, turning a symbol of hope into an instrument of judgment Amos 7:1.
The theological weight of H3954 is derived entirely from its role in this vision of judgment.
- Divine Action: The threat to the "latter growth" is not a random natural disaster. The Lord GOD himself "formed" the grasshoppers, demonstrating that this is a direct and purposeful divine act Amos 7:1.
- Targeted Judgment: The timing is critical. The judgment is aimed at the leqesh, the secondary crop that would have sustained the people after the king had taken his portion. The destruction of this resource would have been felt most acutely by the general population.
- Prophetic Revelation: The word appears in a vision "shewed" by the Lord GOD to his prophet Amos 7:1. It functions as a powerful symbol within a divine message, a warning of impending loss of provision.
In summary, H3954 leqesh is a term whose significance is magnified by its singular, dramatic context. While its base definition is simply "the after crop," its use in Amos 7:1 transforms it into a powerful symbol of the people's final source of sustenance. Its impending destruction in a divine vision serves as a stark prophetic warning, illustrating how God can use the cycles of agriculture to communicate a message of judgment.
TRV