The Hebrew word çâchar, represented by H5505, refers to an emporium or the profit from trade. It is found 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term can be translated as mart or merchandise, signifying a place of commerce or the goods that are traded.
In its biblical usage, H5505 appears in both prophetic and wisdom literature. In Isaiah, it is used to describe a city's role in global commerce, identifying it as a mart of nations whose revenue comes from the harvest of the river Isaiah 23:3. It is also used prophetically to describe the future submission of nations, where the merchandise of Ethiopia and the Sabeans will be brought to Israel as a sign of God's favor Isaiah 45:14. In Proverbs, the word is used metaphorically to compare the value of wisdom to material wealth, stating that its merchandise is better than that of silver Proverbs 3:14.
Several related words help to frame the concept of commerce and its results:
- H5504 çachar (merchandise): This closely related word also means merchandise or profit from trade. It is used in direct parallel with H5505 to contrast the value of wisdom against the value of silver Proverbs 3:14.
- H3018 yᵉgîyaʻ (labour, work): This term refers to toil or the property gained from it. It appears alongside merchandise in Isaiah's prophecy, where both the labour of Egypt and the merchandise of Ethiopia are foretold to come over to Israel Isaiah 45:14.
- H8393 tᵉbûwʼâh (fruit, gain, increase, revenue): This word signifies the income or produce resulting from an endeavor. It is used to describe the revenue of the mart Isaiah 23:3 and the gain from wisdom's merchandise Proverbs 3:14.
The theological and thematic weight of H5505 is seen in its specific contexts:
- Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The term is used in prophecy to show God's ultimate control over the world's economies. The wealth and merchandise of powerful nations are subject to His will and will be given to His people Isaiah 45:14.
- The Superiority of Wisdom: In Proverbs, the concept of merchandise serves as a powerful metaphor. It illustrates that the pursuit of wisdom yields a profit far greater and more valuable than any material gain from trading precious metals Proverbs 3:14.
- Commerce as a Source of Identity: A city's identity can be defined by its economic activity. By being described as a mart of nations, its significance is tied directly to its role as a center for international trade and revenue Isaiah 23:3.
In summary, H5505 provides a specific lens through which to view commerce in the biblical world. While its occurrences are few, it effectively communicates the idea of trade, both as a literal mart or the merchandise itself. It is used to make profound theological points about God's control over the wealth of the world and to teach that the value of divine wisdom surpasses all material profit.
TRV