The Hebrew word ʻad, represented by H5706, refers to booty or prey. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The definition specifies that its meaning is tied to the aim of an attack, highlighting the object of conquest or predation.
In its biblical usage, H5706 consistently appears in contexts of conflict and conquest. It is used in Jacob's prophecy to describe the tribe of Benjamin as a wolf that will devour the prey in the morning Genesis 49:27. In a prophetic oracle, the LORD declares that He will rise up "to the prey," referring to the nations He will gather for judgment Zephaniah 3:8. The word also signifies the spoils of victory, as in the aftermath of a conflict where "the prey of a great spoil" is divided among the victors Isaiah 33:23.
Several related words expand upon the concept of conquest and its results:
- H2963 ṭâraph (to pluck off or pull to pieces; ... ravin, rend in pieces, ... tear (in pieces).): This word describes the violent action taken upon the prey. It is used in the prophecy that Benjamin shall ravin like a wolf before devouring the prey Genesis 49:27.
- H398 ʼâkal (to eat ... consume, devour): This verb often follows the act of capturing prey, signifying its total consumption or destruction. It appears alongside H5706 when Benjamin is prophesied to devour the prey Genesis 49:27.
- H7998 shâlâl (booty; prey, spoil): This term is a direct synonym for the spoils of war. It is used in parallel with H5706 to describe what is divided after a victory, such as when Benjamin divides the spoil at night Genesis 49:27.
- H957 baz (plunder; booty, prey, spoil(-ed)): Another close synonym, this word also refers to the plunder taken in conflict. It appears in a passage where the lame take the prey after the prey H5706 of a great spoil is divided Isaiah 33:23.
The theological weight of H5706 is seen in its powerful metaphorical applications.
- Prophetic Identity: The term is used to define the character of a tribe, as seen in Jacob's blessing for Benjamin. The ability to seize prey is a mark of strength and a core part of the tribe's prophesied destiny Genesis 49:27.
- Divine Judgment: H5706 elevates the concept of prey from a simple animalistic target to a metaphor for divine justice. God himself is depicted as rising "to the prey," framing the wicked nations as the object of His righteous anger and retribution Zephaniah 3:8.
- The Spoils of Victory: The word underscores the tangible outcome of conflict. In Isaiah, the division of prey signifies a total and decisive victory, where even the weak are able to share in the spoils, highlighting a complete reversal of fortunes Isaiah 33:23.
In summary, H5706 functions as a specific and potent term for the spoils of conflict. While rare, its appearances are significant, tying into themes of prophetic blessing, divine judgment against nations, and the ultimate rewards of victory. It illustrates how the concept of prey is used to frame the dynamics of power, from a predatory wolf to the sovereign action of God.
TRV