The Hebrew word çikkûwth, represented by H5522, refers to an (idolatrous) booth; tabernacle. As a term appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse, its meaning is highly specific to its context. It describes a portable object of false worship, a shrine created for a heathen deity rather than for the God of Israel.
The single appearance of H5522 is found in a stark rebuke against Israel's apostasy. In Amos 5:26, the people are condemned for having "borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god." This act of carrying H5375 a mobile shrine H5522 was an outward display of their idolatry, grouping this "booth" with other man-made objects of worship, including idols H6754 and a star-deity H3556 they had fashioned H6213 for themselves.
The context of H5522 is illuminated by the words associated with it in its only appearance:
- H3594 Kîyûwn (Chiun): Defined as a statue, i.e. idol, this term names one of the specific heathen deities worshiped alongside the tabernacle H5522 Amos 5:26.
- H6754 tselem (image): This word for image or idol is used in the condemnation of Israel's idolatry Amos 5:26. In contrast, it is also the word used to describe man being made in God's image Genesis 1:27.
- H4428 melek (king): While meaning a king, this word is used in Amos 5:26 to refer to the idol "Moloch." This act of devotion to a false king stands in direct opposition to recognizing the LORD as the true King of Israel Isaiah 44:6.
- H5375 nâsâʼ (to lift, bear, carry): This is the action performed with the idolatrous tabernacle Amos 5:26. The same word is used for lifting up one's soul to God Psalms 143:8 and for God's act of pardoning H5375 or forgiving iniquity Micah 7:18, creating a powerful contrast between carrying idols and being carried by God's mercy.
The theological weight of H5522 is tied directly to the sin of idolatry.
- Manufactured Worship: The items of worship, including the tabernacle H5522, were things "which ye made H6213 to yourselves" Amos 5:26. This highlights the theme of self-devised religion, where humans create their own gods in contrast to worshiping the God who made H6213 heaven and earth Jeremiah 32:17.
- Idolatrous Association: The tabernacle is not an isolated object but part of a collection of abominations. It is carried along with images H6754, the statue of Chiun H3594, a star-god H3556, and an idol-king H4428, demonstrating a complete and multifaceted rejection of God's exclusive claim to worship.
- Misdirected Devotion: The act of bearing H5375 the idolatrous booth is a physical manifestation of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. Instead of lifting their eyes to the heavens God created Isaiah 51:6, they paraded a shrine to a star they worshiped.
In summary, çikkûwth H5522 is a highly specific term that encapsulates the gravity of idolatry. Though used only once, its context in Amos 5:26 paints a clear picture of a "tabernacle" or booth created and carried in honor of false gods. It serves as a powerful symbol of manufactured religion and the profound offense of giving worship, due only to the Creator, to objects that are the work of human hands.
TRV