### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsammereth**, represented by `{{H6788}}`, refers to the **highest branch** or **top** of a tree. Derived from a root meaning "fleeciness," it evokes an image of dense, lofty foliage. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Ezekiel. The term is used metaphorically to signify the pinnacle of a nation's power and glory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the prophecies of Ezekiel, `{{H6788}}` is consistently associated with the majestic **cedar** `{{H730}}` of Lebanon, a symbol for great empires. In one oracle, a great eagle, representing a foreign power, comes and takes the **highest branch** `{{H6788}}` of the cedar, signifying the exile of a kingly line [[Ezekiel 17:3]]. The Assyrian empire is also depicted as a towering cedar whose **top** `{{H6788}}` was among the thick boughs, a metaphor for its immense stature and influence [[Ezekiel 31:3]]. However, this loftiness is also a source of pride, leading to divine judgment against those who "shoot up their **top** `{{H6788}}` among the thick boughs" [[Ezekiel 31:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the symbolic meaning of `{{H6788}}`:
* `{{H730}}` **'erez** (cedar tree): The cedar is the specific tree whose **highest branch** `{{H6788}}` is referenced in every occurrence. It is used to symbolize great and mighty nations [[Ezekiel 17:3]].
* `{{H1363}}` **gôbahh** (height, pride): This term is explicitly linked to `{{H6788}}`. The **height** of a nation is its glory, but it becomes sinful **pride** when the heart is lifted up because its **top** is high [[Ezekiel 31:10]].
* `{{H5688}}` **ʻăbôth** (thick bough): The **top** `{{H6788}}` of the symbolic cedar is situated "among the **thick boughs**," emphasizing its elevated and flourishing state above all others ([[Ezekiel 31:3]], [[Ezekiel 31:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6788}}` is tied to the biblical themes of pride, judgment, and restoration.
* **Symbol of Prideful Eminence:** The **highest branch** represents the apex of human achievement and national power. In Ezekiel, this position is shown to foster a prideful heart, as when the Assyrian empire's heart was "lifted up in his **height**" `{{H1363}}` because its **top** `{{H6788}}` was so high [[Ezekiel 31:10]].
* **Target of Divine Judgment:** Because of this pride, the lofty **top** becomes the target of divine judgment. God warns that no tree should "shoot up their **top** `{{H6788}}` among the thick boughs" lest they be "delivered unto death" and brought down to the pit [[Ezekiel 31:14]].
* **Source of Divine Restoration:** In a powerful reversal, God himself interacts with the **highest branch** `{{H6788}}`. He takes from it to plant a new, tender branch, promising a restored kingdom under His own authority that will become a "goodly cedar" `{{H730}}` [[Ezekiel 17:22]].
### Summary
In summary, **tsammereth** `{{H6788}}` is a highly specific and symbolic term used exclusively by the prophet Ezekiel. It functions as a powerful metaphor for the pinnacle of national power, represented by the very **top** of a majestic cedar. This term illustrates the biblical principle that great height can lead to pride and divine judgment, yet it also serves as the source from which God enacts His sovereign plan of restoration.
TRV