The Hebrew word tsêydâh, represented by H6720, refers to food, provision, or victuals. It is the feminine form of tsayid and appears 10 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. It often denotes sustenance prepared for a specific purpose or journey, and its renderings include meat, provision, venison, and victuals.
In the biblical narrative, H6720 is frequently associated with supplies for a journey. Joseph commanded that his brothers be given provision for the way as they returned to their father (Genesis 42:25, Genesis 45:21). Similarly, Joshua commanded the people to prepare victuals before crossing the Jordan to possess the land Joshua 1:11. The word is also used to describe a lack of sustenance, as when the Israelites were thrust out of Egypt and had not prepared for themselves any victual Exodus 12:39. In one instance, it is paired with its masculine counterpart to describe the venison Esau was instructed to hunt Genesis 27:3.
Several related words help define the scope of provision and sustenance:
- H6718 tsayid: As the masculine form from which H6720 is derived, this word means "the chase; also game (thus taken); (generally) lunch (especially for a journey)." It is used to describe Esau as a cunning hunter Genesis 25:27 and for the venison Jacob served to Isaac Genesis 27:19.
- H3899 lechem: This is a general term for "food... especially bread, or grain (for making it)." Its relationship with H6720 is highlighted in Psalms, where God sent meat H6720 to the full after man ate angels' food H3899 Psalms 78:25.
- H3559 kûwn: A verb meaning to "prepare... provide, make provision." This action is directly linked to the noun in the command to "Prepare H3559 you victuals H6720" before a major military and spiritual crossing Joshua 1:11.
The use of H6720 carries significant practical and theological weight, often illustrating the connection between preparation and purpose.
- Sustenance for a Mission: The word is repeatedly used for provisions required for a specific task, such as possessing the promised land Joshua 1:11, sustaining Gideon's chosen army Judges 7:8, or supplying troops for a military campaign Judges 20:10.
- Divine and Human Agency: While humans are commanded to prepare or take victuals (Joshua 1:11, Joshua 9:11), the ultimate source of provision is often God. He is the one who "sent them meat H6720 to the full" in the wilderness Psalms 78:25.
- A Marker of Urgency: The presence or absence of victual can signify the nature of an event. The lack of prepared victual during the Exodus highlights the haste of their departure Exodus 12:39, while its careful preparation marks the deliberate start of the conquest of Canaan.
In summary, H6720 is more than a generic term for food. It specifically points to provision or victuals set aside for a particular journey, mission, or circumstance. It underscores themes of foresight, readiness, and reliance, showing how both human preparation and divine supply are essential in the unfolding of God's plans. From a simple meal for a journey to the sustenance for an entire nation on the move, tsêydâh captures the essential nature of being provided for.
TRV