The Hebrew word Pᵉqôwd, represented by H6489, is defined as punishment and serves as a symbolic name for Babylon. It appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, used prophetically to identify a people or region associated with the Babylonian empire and destined for judgment.
In its biblical occurrences, H6489 is always associated with divine judgment against Babylon. In Jeremiah, the LORD H3068 commands an army to "Go up" H5927 against the land of Merathaim H4850 and the inhabitants H3427 of Pekod H6489, with the order to "waste and utterly destroy" H2717 H2763 them Jeremiah 50:21. In Ezekiel, Pekod H6489 is listed among a formidable coalition of powers, including the Babylonians H894 and Chaldeans H3778, described as renowned H7121 captains H6346 and rulers H5461 riding H7392 on horses H5483, showcasing their military might before their prophesied judgment Ezekiel 23:23.
Several related words clarify the context of H6489 as a target of divine judgment:
- H894 Bâbel (Babylon): The empire to which Pekod belongs, defined as "confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire." It is mentioned alongside Pekod in the list of powers in Ezekiel 23:23.
- H4850 Mᵉrâthayim (Merathaim): Used in parallel with Pekod, this is another "epithet of Babylon" meaning "double bitterness," reinforcing the theme of severe judgment Jeremiah 50:21.
- H2717 chârab (waste): This verb describes the action commanded against Pekod. It means "to parch... to desolate, destroy, kill," emphasizing the severity of the coming destruction Jeremiah 50:21.
- H2763 châram (utterly destroy): This term intensifies the command against Pekod, meaning "to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)," indicating a judgment that is total and divinely sanctioned Jeremiah 50:21.
The theological weight of H6489 is concentrated in its prophetic role as an instrument of divine justice.
- Symbol of Judgment: The name Pekod itself means punishment. Its use in Jeremiah is a direct declaration of retribution, where the LORD H3068 commands that its inhabitants be wasted H2717 and utterly destroyed H2763 Jeremiah 50:21.
- Epithet for Babylon: Pekod functions as a symbolic name for Babylon or a key part of its dominion. It is listed with other Babylonian allies like the Chaldeans H3778 Ezekiel 23:23 and is paired with Merathaim H4850, another name for Babylon, to underscore its identity as the subject of God's wrath Jeremiah 50:21.
- Pride Before Destruction: In Ezekiel, Pekod is part of a list describing a powerful and impressive military force of "desirable young men" H2531, renowned H7121 captains H6346, and rulers H5461 Ezekiel 23:23. This depiction of worldly strength stands in stark contrast to the divine decree for its complete annihilation.
In summary, Pᵉqôwd H6489 is a potent, though rare, biblical term. It functions specifically as a symbolic name for Babylon, encapsulating both its worldly might and its destiny of punishment. Through its context in prophetic literature, it illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty, where even the most renowned H7121 and powerful empires are subject to the judgment and command H6680 of the LORD H3068.
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