### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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