or נֵשֶׁק; from נָשַׁק; military equipment, i.e. (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal; armed men, armour(-y), battle, harness, weapon.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nesheq**, represented by `{{H5402}}`, is a comprehensive term for **military equipment**. It appears 10 times in 10 unique verses and can refer to offensive or defensive arms collectively, a specific weapon, an arsenal, or even armed men. Its meaning shifts from concrete military hardware to the abstract concept of battle, highlighting its role in contexts of warfare and national strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5402}}` is used to describe various aspects of military power. It can denote **armour** or **harness** brought as annual tribute to a king, signifying his dominion ([[1 Kings 10:25]]; [[2 Chronicles 9:24]]). The term also refers to a physical location, the **armoury** where such equipment is stored [[Nehemiah 3:19]]. In a prophetic context, **weapons** are gathered and burned as a sign of God’s ultimate victory [[Ezekiel 39:9-10]]. Figuratively, it can mean the "day of **battle**" itself [[Psalms 140:7]] or refer to **armed men** prepared for a fight [[Job 39:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of military and divine power:
* `{{H7198}}` **qesheth** (a bow, forshooting): This specifies an offensive weapon. It is mentioned in connection with fleeing an iron **weapon** `{{H5402}}`, where a **bow** of steel strikes the man down [[Job 20:24]].
* `{{H4043}}` **mâgên** (a shield): This represents defensive equipment and is listed among the **weapons** `{{H5402}}` in Ezekiel's prophecy [[Ezekiel 39:9]]. It is also used figuratively for divine protection, as when God tells Abram, "I am thy **shield**" [[Genesis 15:1]].
* `{{H7393}}` **rekeb** (a vehicle; by implication, a team): This term signifies a key element of military might. It is listed alongside **armour** `{{H5402}}` as a mark of a fortified and prepared kingdom [[2 Kings 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5402}}` often emerges from the contrast between human military might and divine power.
* **Instruments of Human Power:** `Nesheq` represents the conventional tools of warfare and national security. The presence of **chariots**, horses, and **armour** is presented as evidence of a kingdom's strength and preparedness [[2 Kings 10:2]].
* **Divine Sovereignty over Conflict:** Despite the presence of physical arms, true deliverance comes from God. In the "day of **battle**," the psalmist looks not to a helmet but to the Lord as the one who has "covered my head" [[Psalms 140:7]].
* **The End of Warfare:** The Bible uses the destruction of **weapons** to symbolize God's establishment of ultimate peace. The prophecy in Ezekiel describes a time when the instruments of war, including **shields**, **bucklers**, and **spears**, will be burned, marking a decisive end to human conflict [[Ezekiel 39:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5402}}` is more than a simple word for a weapon. It is a broad term encompassing the entire catalog of military equipment, from individual pieces of **harness** to a national **armoury**. The use of **nesheq** in Scripture serves to illustrate the nature of human conflict and power, ultimately pointing to the conclusion that true strength and security are not found in an arsenal of weapons but in God alone.
TRV