The Hebrew word ʻârôwd, represented by H6171, refers to a wild ass or onager, a creature known for its lonesome habits. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the entire biblical text, yet its context provides a powerful illustration.
The single appearance of H6171 is found in God's speech to Job. In a series of rhetorical questions designed to highlight His sovereignty over creation, God asks, "Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?" Job 39:5. Here, ʻârôwd is used in parallel with a more common word for wild ass, H6501 pereʼ, to emphasize the untamable and free nature of the animal. The verse powerfully frames the creature's freedom not as an accident, but as a deliberate act of God.
The surrounding words in its only context help define the essence of ʻârôwd:
- H6501 pereʼ (wild (ass)): This synonym, used in the first half of the verse Job 39:5, establishes the untamed character of the animal. It is also used to describe Ishmael as a "wild man" Genesis 16:12.
- H2670 chophshîy (free, liberty): This word describes the state of the wild ass. It is the same term used for a Hebrew servant who is to be set free after six years of service Deuteronomy 15:12.
- H4147 môwçêr (band, bond): These are the restraints loosed from the ʻârôwd. The word often signifies a bond or restraint that is broken by God to deliver His people Psalms 107:14.
- H6605 pâthach (to open wide... to loosen... loose): This is the action God performs on the wild ass's bands. It signifies a release from constraint, whether it is putting off sackcloth Psalms 30:11 or opening the heavens Malachi 3:10.
The theological weight of H6171 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context in the book of Job.
- Divine Sovereignty: The ʻârôwd serves as God's own example of His dominion over the wild and seemingly purposeless elements of the world. It is God who "sent out" H7971 the wild ass and personally "loosed" H6605 its bands.
- Symbol of Untamed Freedom: The creature represents a form of freedom that exists completely outside of human control. Unlike a servant who is set free by human law Exodus 21:2, the ʻârôwd is inherently and divinely free.
- A Lesson in Humility: By pointing to the ʻârôwd, God challenges Job's understanding of wisdom and control. It reminds humanity that there are aspects of creation that are not meant to be tamed or even fully understood, existing solely by God's design.
In summary, H6171 ʻârôwd is more than just a rare word for a wild ass. Its sole use in Scripture presents it as a profound symbol of God-given, untamable freedom. By appearing in God's address to Job, it serves as a lasting testament to the Creator's absolute sovereignty over every part of the natural world, both the domesticated and the defiantly wild.
TRV