from עֲדַר; an arrangement (i.e. drove); Eder, an Israelite; Ader.
Transliteration:ʻEder
Pronunciation:eh'-der
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5738 (עֶדֶר, *ʻEder*) is derived from the root `{{H5737}}` (עָדַר, *ʿādar*), which carries the primary meaning "to arrange," "to set in order," or "to help/assist." Consequently, ʻEder fundamentally signifies an "arrangement" or "order," specifically applied to a "drove" or "flock" of animals, particularly sheep or goats. This etymological link highlights that a flock is not merely a collection of animals but an organized or managed group, often requiring the assistance or guidance of a shepherd. Beyond its common noun usage, ʻEder also functions as a proper noun, appearing as the name of a person (Ader/Eder) and a geographical location within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5738 appears in various contexts, illuminating both its literal and metaphorical applications:
* **As a common noun, "flock" or "drove":**
* [[1 Samuel 17:34]]: David, recounting his bravery to Saul, describes protecting a lamb from the "flock" (עֶדֶר) against a lion and a bear. This usage underscores the vulnerability of the flock and the protective role of the shepherd.
* [[Isaiah 17:2]]: Prophesying the desolation of the cities of Aroer, the text states they will become places "for flocks" (עֶדֶר) to lie down undisturbed. Here, ʻEder signifies a pastoral setting replacing human habitation, indicative of ruin and abandonment.
* [[Nahum 3:18]]: In a lament over Nineveh, the prophet declares, "Your flock (עֶדֶר) is scattered on the mountains with no one to gather them." This is a powerful metaphor for a leaderless, disorganized, and dispersed people, mirroring the collapse of the Assyrian empire.
* [[Micah 2:12]]: This verse presents a prophecy of restoration: "I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock (עֶדֶר) in its pasture; a noisy throng of men." Here, ʻEder is used positively to describe the future gathering and reunification of God's scattered people, emphasizing divine care and restoration.
* **As a proper noun, "Eder" or "Ader":**
* [[Joshua 15:21]]: Eder is listed as one of the cities in the southernmost part of Judah's inheritance in the Negev. This is a geographical reference, providing no specific narrative context beyond its inclusion in the tribal boundaries.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:15]]: Eder (also transliterated "Ader" in some versions) is named as a son of Beriah, a Benjamite, within a genealogical list. This occurrence is purely onomastic, highlighting the individual's place within the tribal lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H5738 is its root, `{{H5737}}` (עָדַר, *ʿādar*), which means "to arrange," "to help," or "to assist." This connection is vital, as a "flock" is an "arrangement" of animals that requires "help" or "guidance" from a shepherd.
Other Hebrew words for "flock" or related concepts include:
* `{{H6629}}` (צֹאן, *tso'n*): A general term for sheep and goats, often used interchangeably with ʻEder.
* `{{H4735}}` (מִרְעֶה, *mir'eh*): Refers to a pasture or the flock grazing within it.
* `{{H6260}}` (עַתּוּד, *'attud*): A he-goat, often leading the flock.
The concept of a "flock" is intrinsically linked to:
* **Shepherding:** The care, guidance, and protection provided by a shepherd.
* **Vulnerability:** The dependence of the sheep on the shepherd.
* **Dispersion and Gathering:** Themes of scattering due to lack of leadership or divine judgment, and subsequent divine gathering and restoration.
* **Community/Peoplehood:** Often used metaphorically for a group of people, especially God's chosen people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5738 primarily emerges from its metaphorical use to describe God's relationship with His people, Israel.
1. **God as the Divine Shepherd:** The most profound theological implication is the portrayal of Yahweh as the Shepherd of His "flock" (ʻEder). This imagery conveys God's tender care, provision, protection, and guidance for His people ([[Psalm 23:1]], [[Isaiah 40:11]], [[Ezekiel 34:11-16]]). Just as a shepherd knows each sheep and leads them to good pastures, so God intimately knows and cares for His covenant people.
2. **Israel as God's Flock:** The nation of Israel is consistently depicted as God's flock (ʻEder), highlighting their dependence on Him and His sovereign oversight. This metaphor is used to express both their vulnerability and their identity as those under divine protection. When Israel strays, they are described as sheep without a shepherd, scattered and vulnerable ([[Jeremiah 23:1-4]], [[Ezekiel 34:5-6]]).
3. **Themes of Dispersion and Gathering:** The scattering of the "flock" (ʻEder) often symbolizes divine judgment, exile, or the consequences of human rebellion and poor leadership. Conversely, the gathering of the "flock" signifies divine restoration, redemption, and the eschatological ingathering of Israel from the nations ([[Micah 2:12]], [[Ezekiel 34:12-16]]). This imagery speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of His people's unfaithfulness.
4. **The Messiah as the Good Shepherd:** In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for His sheep ([[John 10:11-16]]). This fulfills and elevates the Old Testament imagery, demonstrating the ultimate divine care and sacrifice for the "flock" (though the Greek term `{{G4167}}` *poimnē* is used here, the conceptual continuity with ʻEder is strong).
### Summary
H5738 (עֶדֶר, *ʻEder*) primarily denotes a "drove" or "flock," stemming from a root meaning "to arrange" or "to help." While it appears literally in contexts describing animal husbandry and as proper nouns for a place and an individual, its most significant use is metaphorical. The "flock" (ʻEder) serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for God's people, Israel. This imagery underpins profound theological concepts: God's role as the compassionate and protective Shepherd, Israel's identity as His dependent flock, and the cycle of dispersion and divine gathering that marks their history. Ultimately, the concept of the ʻEder culminates in the New Testament with the revelation of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who perfectly embodies divine care, sacrifice, and the ultimate restoration of His people. The word thus encapsulates themes of divine order, vigilant care, vulnerability, and redemptive hope within the sacred narrative.