The Hebrew word çâmâr, represented by H5569, is a descriptive term meaning bristling, i.e. shaggy; rough. It is a rare word, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a vivid and specific image within a prophecy of judgment.
The sole appearance of H5569 is in Jeremiah's prophecy against Babylon. In a call to assemble armies, the text commands to "cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers" Jeremiah 51:27. Here, çâmâr is used to create a powerful simile, comparing the appearance of a vast, advancing cavalry to a swarm of shaggy or bristling caterpillars. The imagery suggests a fearsome, overwhelming, and destructive invading force, gathered at God's command.
Several words from the context of Jeremiah 51:27 illuminate the meaning of H5569:
- H3218 yeleq (cankerworm, caterpillar): This is the noun that çâmâr modifies. It often refers to a devouring locust, used metaphorically for a destructive army sent by God Joel 1:4.
- H5483 çûwç (horse): The horses of the invading armies are likened to the "rough caterpillers." Horses frequently symbolize military power and strength in scripture Proverbs 21:31.
- H5251 nêç (banner, pole, sail, (en-) sign, standard): The call to war begins with the command to "Set ye up a standard," a signal used to rally troops and nations for a military campaign Jeremiah 51:27.
- H1471 gôwy (nation, heathen, Gentile): The prophecy explicitly calls for the gathering of nations H1471 and kingdoms H4467 like Ararat H780, Minni H4508, and Ashchenaz H813 to execute judgment Jeremiah 51:27.
While rare, the use of H5569 contributes to significant theological themes within its context:
- Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: The word is part of a command where God musters foreign nations to act as His instrument of judgment against Babylon. This demonstrates God's ultimate authority over all kingdoms H4467 of the earth H776 Jeremiah 1:10.
- Imagery of an Overwhelming Force: The "bristling" or "shaggy" nature of the caterpillars creates a fearsome image. This metaphor, used for the invading armies, portrays God's judgment not as a minor skirmish but as a terrifying, all-consuming event, similar to a locust plague Joel 2:25.
- The Call to War: The term is embedded in a divine summons to "blow the trumpet" (H8628, H7782), "prepare the nations" (H6942, H1471), and "appoint a captain" (H6485, H2951). This emphasizes that historical events and the rise and fall of empires unfold under God's active and purposeful direction.
In summary, çâmâr H5569 is a specific and impactful adjective. Though it appears only once, its role in Jeremiah 51:27 is crucial for creating a vivid and menacing picture of a divinely orchestrated invasion. It enriches the prophetic text by transforming the image of an approaching army into a formidable, bristling swarm, effectively communicating the terror and totality of the coming judgment on Babylon.
TRV