### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **miklâʼâh**, represented by `{{H4356}}`, refers to a **pen (for flocks)** or **(sheep-)fold**. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, making each usage significant. This term specifically denotes an enclosure for keeping flocks, a common and essential feature of agrarian life in the biblical world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural occurrences, `{{H4356}}` is used to frame concepts of divine choice, judgment, and self-sufficiency. In Psalms, God declares He will **take** `{{H3947}}` no **bullock** `{{H6499}}` from a house nor **he goats** `{{H6260}}` from the **folds** [[Psalms 50:9]], establishing His transcendence over human offerings. Conversely, it is from the **sheepfolds** `{{H4356}}` that God **took** `{{H3947}}` **David** `{{H1732}}` to be his **servant** `{{H5650}}` [[Psalms 78:70]], highlighting humble beginnings. The prophet Habakkuk uses the image of an empty **fold** to depict utter desolation, where the **flock** `{{H6629}}` is **cut off** `{{H1504}}` as a sign of calamity [[Habakkuk 3:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the agricultural and pastoral context of a **fold**:
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn** (a collective name for a flock): This refers to the sheep or goats that are kept within a **fold** `{{H4356}}`. The connection is direct, as seen when the **flock** is cut off from the fold [[Habakkuk 3:17]] or when David is taken from the sheepfolds [[Psalms 78:70]].
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (beef cattle or an animal of the ox family): This term for a **herd** is used in parallel with flocks. In a time of judgment, there is "no **herd** in the stalls" just as there is no flock in the **fold** [[Habakkuk 3:17]].
* `{{H7517}}` **repheth** (a stall for cattle): As an enclosure for a herd, this word is a direct counterpart to a **fold**. Its use alongside `{{H4356}}` paints a complete picture of agricultural failure where both the **fold** and the **stalls** are empty [[Habakkuk 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4356}}` is tied to its role in God's interaction with humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Selection:** The **fold** is a place of humble origins from which God calls His chosen leaders. When God **chose** `{{H977}}` **David** `{{H1732}}` from the **sheepfolds**, it demonstrated that He elevates His servants based on His own will, not on their worldly status [[Psalms 78:70]].
* **Symbol of Provision and Judgment:** A full **fold** represents blessing and security, while an empty one signifies divine judgment. The imagery of a **flock** `{{H6629}}` being **cut off** `{{H1504}}` from the **fold** is a stark depiction of national disaster [[Habakkuk 3:17]].
* **God's Self-Sufficiency:** The **fold** is the source of animals for sacrifice, yet God makes it clear He does not depend on these offerings. His statement that he will not take **he goats** `{{H6260}}` from human **folds** underscores His ownership of all creation and places human acts of worship in proper context [[Psalms 50:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **miklâʼâh** `{{H4356}}` is more than just a pen for animals. While its literal meaning is simple, scripture uses it as a powerful symbol. It represents the humble station from which God raises His chosen ones, a barometer for His blessing or judgment upon the land, and the limited realm of human wealth over which God is entirely sovereign.
TRV