The Hebrew word tsiqlôn, represented by H6861, refers to a sack or husk. Based on a root meaning to wind, it implies a container tied at the mouth. It is an extremely rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text.
The single appearance of H6861 occurs in the narrative of a man providing for the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 4:42, a man H376 from Baalshalisha brings the man of God H430 a gift of firstfruits H1061. This gift includes twenty H6242 barley H8184 loaves H3899 and, notably, "full ears of corn in the husk thereof." The husk or sack is the vessel carrying part of this generous provision, which Elisha then instructs to be given to the people H5971 to eat H398.
The context of this verse connects H6861 to several words related to provision, offerings, and agriculture:
- H1061 bikkûwr (firstfruits): This identifies the offering as the first-fruits of the crop. Such offerings were to be brought to the house of God H430, as specified in the law Exodus 23:19.
- H3759 karmel (full ears of corn): This describes the contents of the husk H6861. The word signifies garden produce or a fruitful field, often associated with a plentiful and abundant land Jeremiah 2:7.
- H3899 lechem (bread): The barley loaves offered alongside the husk are a form of bread, a general term for food. It is a symbol of God's provision, with scripture noting that man does not live by bread alone Deuteronomy 8:3.
- H8184 sᵉʻôrâh (barley): This specifies the type of grain used for the twenty loaves. Barley was a staple crop, and its harvest was a key event in the agricultural calendar 2 Samuel 21:9.
Though mentioned only once, the theological context for H6861 is significant due to the event it is part of.
- Vessel of a Faithful Gift: The husk H6861 serves as the physical container for an offering of firstfruits. It demonstrates a tangible act of obedience and generosity from a man H376 toward God's prophet.
- Initiating Divine Provision: The contents of this husk, along with the bread H3899, become the catalyst for a miracle. The offering brought in the husk is what Elisha commands to be given H5414 to the people, leading to a supernatural feeding.
- A Picture of Firstfruits: Its singular use directly ties it to the principle of firstfruits H1061, where the first and best of the harvest is dedicated to God H430, acknowledging Him as the source of all provision.
In summary, H6861 is a specialized term whose meaning as a husk or sack is entirely derived from its sole appearance in 2 Kings 4:42. It plays a small but crucial role in the narrative as the container for a gift of fresh grain. This positions the word within a powerful story of human generosity being multiplied by divine power, illustrating the biblical theme of God providing for His people through faithful offerings.
TRV