The Hebrew word ʻâthûwd, represented by H6259, is defined as prepared; ready. As a passive participle of עָתַד, its meaning centers on a state of preparedness. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. It is used to describe both tangible things that are prepared and stored away, like treasures, and a state of readiness for action.
The two uses of H6259 illustrate its dual meaning. In Isaiah, it describes the boast of an arrogant king who claims, "By the strength of my hand I have done it... and have robbed their treasures" Isaiah 10:13. Here, the word refers to valuable goods that have been prepared and set aside, which are then plundered. In contrast, in the book of Esther, the word signifies a state of active readiness. A decree was issued so that the Jews "should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies" Esther 8:13. In this context, being prepared is for the purpose of deliverance and defense.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of H6259:
- H6264 ʻâthîyd (prepared; ready; treasures): A closely related term used alongside H6259 in both of its occurrences. It can refer to future events, or "things that shall come" Deuteronomy 32:35, and also describes a king who is "ready to the battle" Job 15:24.
- H8154 shâçâh (to plunder; rob): This word is used in conjunction with H6259 in Isaiah's account of the plundering of treasures Isaiah 10:13. It describes the action taken against what was prepared, as when Israel was delivered into the hands of "spoilers that spoiled them" Judges 2:14.
- H5358 nâqam (to avenge or punish): This term clarifies the purpose of being "ready" H6259 in the book of Esther. The people were prepared specifically to "avenge themselves" Esther 8:13. The Lord is also described as one who will "take vengeance on his adversaries" Nahum 1:2.
- H3581 kôach (vigor, force, strength, power): In Isaiah 10:13, the king boasts of plundering treasures by the "strength of my hand". This word signifies the power used to seize what was prepared. Scripture contrasts this with God's work, which is "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" Zechariah 4:6.
The theological significance of H6259 is seen in its two distinct contexts:
- Human Pride and Plunder: In Isaiah, the word is used in a declaration of human arrogance. A king attributes his success in robbing "treasures" H6259 to his own wisdom H2451 and strength H3581, a mindset that stands in opposition to reliance on God Isaiah 10:13.
- Preparedness for Deliverance: In Esther, being "ready" H6259 is a sanctioned posture for the people of God to defend themselves and execute justice on their enemies H341. This readiness is not for aggressive conquest but for survival and the reversal of a wicked decree Esther 8:13.
- The Violation of What is Stored: The concept of "treasures" implies something of value that has been gathered and set in order. The act of robbing them is linked to the sin of removing "the bounds of the people" Isaiah 10:13, representing a flagrant violation of established security and order.
In summary, ʻâthûwd H6259 is a concise term that signifies being prepared or ready. Though it appears infrequently, its usage powerfully contrasts the illegitimate seizure of prepared wealth born from human pride with the legitimate readiness of a people for divinely-appointed deliverance. It demonstrates that the state of preparedness can apply to both stored resources and a posture of readiness for a coming event.
TRV