from עֲדַר; an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals); drove, flock, herd.
Transliteration:ʻêder
Pronunciation:ay'-der
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֵדֶר (ʻêder), Strong's number `{{H5739}}`, derives from the root עֲדַר (ʻâdar). While the root can imply "to lack" or "to be absent" in some verbal forms, its nominal derivation here specifically points to an "arrangement" or "muster." Thus, ʻêder fundamentally denotes an organized collection or grouping, almost exclusively applied to livestock. Its semantic range encompasses "drove," "flock," or "herd," referring to a collective body of sheep, goats, or cattle. The word conveys the idea of a cohesive unit, suggesting order and a degree of management, rather than a scattered or disorganized multitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻêder appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily within narratives describing pastoral life and the daily routines of ancient Israel.
In its most literal sense, ʻêder refers to actual groups of animals:
* In the patriarchal narratives, it frequently describes the wealth and livelihood of figures like Jacob, whose "flocks" were a significant part of his possessions ([[Genesis 29:2]], [[Genesis 30:38]], [[Genesis 32:7]]).
* It is used in descriptions of the Exodus, where the Israelites depart with their "flocks and their herds" ([[Exodus 10:9]]).
* The term appears in historical accounts, such as David's encounter with a lion while tending his father's "flock" ([[1 Samuel 17:34]]).
Beyond its literal usage, ʻêder is powerfully employed metaphorically to describe the people of Israel:
* Prophets frequently refer to Israel as the "flock" of the Lord, highlighting their relationship with God as their divine Shepherd ([[Jeremiah 13:17]], [[Ezekiel 34:17]]).
* This metaphor often emphasizes the vulnerability of the flock without proper shepherding, contrasting it with the security provided by a diligent shepherd ([[Isaiah 17:2]]).
* In prophetic contexts, ʻêder can also refer to the remnant of Israel that God promises to gather and restore ([[Micah 2:12]], [[Zechariah 11:7]]). The scattering of the ʻêder often symbolizes divine judgment or the consequences of poor leadership, while its gathering represents restoration and salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ʻêder is enriched by its relationship to several other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Root עֲדַר (ʻâdar):** While the verb can mean "to be lacking" or "to be absent" (e.g., [[Isaiah 34:16]]), its connection to ʻêder in the sense of "arrangement" or "muster" points to a foundational idea of ordered collection.
* **Shepherd (רֹעֶה, rôʻeh, `{{H7462}}`):** The shepherd is intrinsically linked to the ʻêder, being responsible for its care, guidance, and protection. This relationship forms the basis for the divine shepherd metaphor.
* **Sheep/Goats/Cattle (צֹאן, tsôʼn, `{{H6629}}`; בָּקָר, bâqâr, `{{H1241}}`):** These are the specific types of animals that constitute an ʻêder. ʻêder is the collective noun for these individual animals.
* **Fold/Pasture (מִכְלָה, miklâh, `{{H4356}}`; מִרְעֶה, mirʻeh, `{{H4829}}`):** These terms denote the specific places where an ʻêder is kept and fed, emphasizing the need for safe and nourishing environments.
* **Gathering (קָבַץ, qâbats, `{{H6908}}`) and Scattering (פּוּץ, pûts, `{{H6327}}`):** These actions are directly related to the state of an ʻêder. A well-tended flock is gathered and united; a neglected or judged flock is scattered.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻêder is profound, largely due to its pervasive metaphorical use:
* **God as the Divine Shepherd:** The most prominent theological implication is the portrayal of Yahweh as the ultimate Shepherd of Israel. This metaphor underscores God's intimate care, faithful provision, protective power, and guiding wisdom over His people ([[Psalm 23:1]], [[Ezekiel 34:11-16]]). It conveys a personal and covenantal relationship, where God knows and cares for each member of His ʻêder.
* **Israel as God's Flock:** Conversely, Israel's identity as God's ʻêder highlights their dependence on divine leading, their collective identity under His authority, and their vulnerability when they stray or are neglected by earthly leaders. This imagery often calls for obedience and trust in the Shepherd.
* **Leadership and Accountability:** The metaphor extends to human leadership. Kings, priests, and prophets are often depicted as undershepherds of God's ʻêder. Their failure to care for the flock, leading to its scattering, exploitation, or harm, incurs divine judgment ([[Jeremiah 23:1-4]], [[Ezekiel 34:1-10]]). This emphasizes the grave responsibility of spiritual and temporal leadership within God's people.
* **Redemption and Restoration:** A recurring prophetic theme is God's promise to gather His scattered ʻêder from all the lands where they have been driven, bringing them back to their own pasture and fold ([[Jeremiah 23:3]], [[Ezekiel 34:13]]). This signifies divine faithfulness, future restoration, and the ultimate salvation of His people.
* **Continuity in the New Testament:** While ʻêder is a Hebrew term, its theological resonance is powerfully carried into the New Testament through the concept of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" (e.g., [[John 10:11-18]]), who knows His sheep, lays down His life for them, and gathers them into one flock. This demonstrates a consistent divine pattern of care for His people across the testaments.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֵדֶר (ʻêder, `{{H5739}}`) fundamentally denotes an organized "drove," "flock," or "herd" of animals. While rooted in the practicalities of ancient agrarian life, its most significant contribution to biblical theology lies in its metaphorical application. ʻêder serves as a powerful symbol for the people of Israel, depicting their intimate relationship with God as their divine Shepherd. This imagery underscores God's unwavering care, provision, and protection for His people, as well as the crucial role and accountability of human leaders. Furthermore, the concept of the ʻêder encapsulates themes of vulnerability, divine judgment for neglect, and the ultimate hope of God's redemptive gathering and restoration of His scattered flock.
TRV