The Hebrew word çêphel, represented by H5602, refers to a basin, bowl, or dish. Derived from a root meaning to depress, it suggests a vessel that is deepened or hollowed out. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible, yet each instance places it in a significant narrative moment.
In its biblical usage, H5602 functions as a container in two distinct contexts. In the Song of Deborah, Jael brings forth butter H2529 in a "lordly dish" for Sisera after he asked for water Judges 5:25. Here, it is a vessel of hospitality, albeit a deceptive one. In the story of Gideon, after he thrusts a fleece H1492 together, he wrings out enough dew to fill a "bowl" with water H4325, serving as the physical evidence of a divine sign Judges 6:38.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H5602 is used:
- H117 ʼaddîyr (lordly): This adjective is used to describe the dish in Judges 5:25, elevating it from a common utensil to one that is noble, excellent, or worthy. This term is also used to describe nobles or the principal men of a flock Jeremiah 25:34.
- H1492 gâzzah (fleece): The bowl in Gideon's story is directly linked to the fleece from which the water was produced, acting as the measure of the miraculous sign Judges 6:38.
- H4680 mâtsâh (wring (out)): This is the action that fills the bowl H5602. Gideon wringed the dew from the fleece, demonstrating the abundance of the moisture God provided Judges 6:38.
- H2461 châlâb (milk): While Sisera asked for water, Jael gave him milk and presented butter in the lordly dish H5602, showing an offering of richness and substance Judges 5:25.
The significance of H5602 is tied to its narrative function as a vessel that holds something of consequence.
- Vessel of Hospitality and Deception: The "lordly dish" in Judges 5:25 is an instrument of hospitality that ultimately leads to the downfall of an enemy of Israel. It represents a rich offering that masks a deadly intent.
- Container of Divine Confirmation: The bowl in Judges 6:38 holds the tangible proof of God's promise to Gideon. Its fullness H4393 with water H4325 from dew H2919 is a miraculous sign meant to dispel doubt and confirm God's presence.
- Symbol of Abundance: In both cases, the bowl or dish contains something rich or plentiful—butter from milk, and a full measure of water. It is not just a container but one that holds a significant, bountiful substance.
In summary, while çêphel H5602 is used infrequently, it plays a memorable role in scripture. It is more than a simple dish; it is a narrative device used as a container for hospitality in one instance and as the measure of a divine sign in another. These two occurrences show how an ordinary object can be imbued with importance, carrying symbolic weight in moments of both human action and divine intervention.
TRV