### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâmîyr**, represented by `{{H5995}}`, refers to a **bunch of grain; handful, sheaf**. This term is found only **4 times** in the Bible, appearing in **4 unique verses**. Despite its infrequent use, it consistently serves as a powerful agricultural metaphor to illustrate concepts of divine judgment, gathering, and burden.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H5995}}` is used metaphorically to describe the state of people or nations under God's sovereign hand. In [[Amos 2:13]], the weight of **sheaves** in a cart illustrates the pressure God feels. In a prophecy of desolation, Jeremiah describes the carcases of men being left like a **handful** abandoned by the harvestman, with none to gather them [[Jeremiah 9:22]]. Micah foretells that the Lord will gather nations like **sheaves** are gathered to the threshing floor, indicating a time of processing or judgment [[Micah 4:12]]. Similarly, Zechariah uses the image of a torch of fire set to a **sheaf** to depict how the leaders of Judah will consume their enemies [[Zechariah 12:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H5995}}` is used:
* `{{H1637}}` **gôren** (threshing-floor): This is the location where sheaves are processed. The connection is explicit when the Lord gathers the nations "as the sheaves into the **floor**" [[Micah 4:12]], signifying a place of judgment.
* `{{H7114}}` **qâtsar** (harvestman, reap): This term defines the one who performs the harvest. A **handful** (ʻâmîyr) is what is left behind by the **harvestman** (qâtsar), highlighting a state of neglect and finality [[Jeremiah 9:22]].
* `{{H3940}}` **lappîyd** (torch): This word provides a context of destruction. A **torch** (lappîyd) of fire placed in a sheaf (ʻâmîyr) creates a powerful image of swift and total consumption [[Zechariah 12:6]].
* `{{H6908}}` **qâbats** (gather): This action is central to the sheaf's purpose. The Lord is the one who will **gather** (qâbats) the people as sheaves, demonstrating His sovereign control over the nations [[Micah 4:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5995}}` is centered on its use as a symbol for humanity being acted upon by God.
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** A sheaf is passive; it is gathered, threshed, or burned. This is seen when people are gathered like sheaves to the threshing floor [[Micah 4:12]] or are represented as a sheaf ready to be consumed by fire [[Zechariah 12:6]].
* **Symbol of Helplessness and Desolation:** The image of a forgotten handful of grain left by the harvestman powerfully illustrates utter abandonment and death, with no one left to even **gather** `{{H622}}` the remains [[Jeremiah 9:22]].
* **Metaphor for God's Burden:** The weight of a cart full of sheaves is used to express the feeling of being pressed down, providing a tangible picture of the burden described by God in His pronouncement of judgment [[Amos 2:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5995}}` moves beyond its simple agricultural definition of a sheaf or handful to become a potent biblical metaphor. Though rare, its appearances consistently portray humanity as subject to divine action. Whether being gathered for judgment, abandoned in desolation, or consumed by fire, the **sheaf** serves as a vivid illustration of God's sovereignty, power, and righteous judgment over the nations.
TRV