### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼoklâh**, represented by `{{H402}}`, refers to **food**, **meat**, or something to be consumed. A feminine form, it appears 18 times in 18 unique verses. While its primary meaning relates to sustenance, it also carries a powerful secondary meaning of being devoured or consumed, often as an act of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H402}}` is first used to define God's initial provision for His creation. God gives humanity every seed-bearing plant and fruit-yielding tree for **meat** [[Genesis 1:29]], and every green herb is given as **meat** for the beasts of the earth and fowls of the air [[Genesis 1:30]]. After the flood, this provision expands to include every moving thing [[Genesis 9:3]]. However, in the prophets, the word's meaning shifts to signify judgment. Because of unfaithful shepherds, God's people were scattered and became **meat** for the beasts of the field [[Ezekiel 34:5]]. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are described as being given to the fire for **fuel** `{{H402}}` because of their sinfulness, like a useless vine [[Ezekiel 15:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of consumption:
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat, consume, devour): As the primitive root, this verb describes the action of consumption. In [[Ezekiel 15:4]], fire (`{{H784}}`) **devoureth** (`{{H398}}`) the vine that has been cast into it for fuel (`{{H402}}`).
* `{{H3978}}` **maʼăkâl** (food, fruit, meat): A general term for something edible. God commanded Noah to gather all **food** (`{{H3978}}`) that is eaten, specifying that "it shall be for **food**" (`{{H402}}`) for him and the animals in the ark [[Genesis 6:21]].
* `{{H2416}}` **chay** (alive, life, beast): This word for living creatures is often used in connection with `{{H402}}`. When Israel's flock was scattered, it became **meat** (`{{H402}}`) for every **beast** (`{{H2416}}`) of the field [[Ezekiel 34:5]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This word is directly tied to the destructive aspect of `ʼoklâh`. In judgment, Jerusalem is given to the **fire** (`{{H784}}`) as **fuel** (`{{H402}}`) [[Ezekiel 15:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H402}}` is significant, highlighting themes of divine provision and judgment.
* **Sustenance from God:** The term first establishes God as the provider for all life. He designates what is for **meat** (`{{H402}}`) in creation [[Genesis 1:29]] and even provides for all through the Sabbath of the land [[Leviticus 25:6]].
* **Consequence of Unfaithfulness:** When God's people or their leaders are disobedient, they are given over to be consumed. The flock of Israel becomes **meat** (`{{H402}}`) because their shepherds failed to search for them [[Ezekiel 34:8]]. The Lord declares He will deliver His flock from the mouths of these shepherds, so they are no longer **meat** for them [[Ezekiel 34:10]].
* **Fuel for Judgment:** The word illustrates the ultimate consequence of rebellion. The inhabitants of Jerusalem (`{{H3389}}`) become **fuel** (`{{H402}}`) for the fire of God's judgment [[Ezekiel 15:6]]. Similarly, Israel's enemies who speak blasphemies are given to be **consumed** (`{{H402}}`) [[Ezekiel 35:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H402}}` is much more than a simple word for food. It serves as a powerful illustration of the covenant relationship between God and His creation. It begins as a term of benevolent provision in Genesis, but in the context of Israel's rebellion, it transforms into a stark metaphor for judgment. Whether referring to God's blessing of sustenance or the curse of being devoured, `ʼoklâh` powerfully communicates the consequences of obedience and disobedience.
TRV