The Hebrew word çalçillâh, represented by H5552, is defined as a basket, derived from a root meaning a twig. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text, making its singular context essential to its meaning.
The sole appearance of H5552 is in Jeremiah 6:9, within a prophecy of judgment against Israel. The LORD H3068 of hosts H6635 commands, "They shall throughly H5953 glean H5953 the remnant H7611 of Israel H3478 as a vine H1612: turn back H7725 thine hand H3027 as a grapegatherer H1219 into the baskets H5552." In this verse, the basket serves as the container for the remnant of Israel, which is being gathered as a consequence of divine judgment, much like the last grapes are gleaned from a vine.
The meaning of H5552 is illuminated by the words used alongside it in its only context:
- H1219 bâtsar: Translated here as grapegatherer, this word's primary meaning is to clip off or gather grapes. It connects the action directly to the baskets which are being filled. Elsewhere, it can mean to be fenced or fortified (Jeremiah 15:20, Deuteronomy 28:52).
- H1612 gephen: This word for vine is used as the metaphor for Israel. The nation is the vine from which the remnant is gleaned and placed into the baskets Jeremiah 6:9. The vine is often a symbol of fruitfulness or the lack thereof (Joel 2:22, Habakkuk 3:17).
- H7611 shᵉʼêrîyth: This term for remnant or a residual portion is what is being gathered. The baskets H5552 are the instruments used in the process of collecting this final, surviving portion of the people Jeremiah 6:9.
- H5953 ʻâlal: This root is used twice to emphasize that the remnant will be throughly gleaned. Its meaning, to effect thoroughly or glean, underscores the meticulous nature of the judgment that involves filling the baskets. It can also mean to abuse or mock 1 Samuel 31:4.
The theological significance of H5552 is entirely derived from its role in the prophecy of Jeremiah 6:9.
- Vessel of Judgment: The basket is not used for a celebratory harvest but as a tool in a divine judgment. It is the destination for the remnant H7611 of Israel H3478 as they are systematically gathered.
- Symbol of Thoroughness: The command to "turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets" Jeremiah 6:9 illustrates the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's action. The gleaning is to be so complete that the hand must return to the task until the baskets are filled.
- Execution of Divine Will: The use of the basket occurs because the LORD H3068 of hosts H6635 has spoken H559 Jeremiah 6:9. This shows that the gathering is not a chance occurrence but the direct fulfillment of a divine command concerning the people of Israel.
In summary, çalçillâh H5552 is a word whose entire biblical identity is locked into a single, powerful image. Appearing only in Jeremiah 6:9, it is not a simple container but a symbol of divine judgment. It functions as the receptacle for the remnant of Israel, which is being thoroughly gleaned like the last grapes from a vine. The context reveals that this action is a direct and meticulous execution of the will of the LORD of hosts.
TRV