### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7100}}` (קֶצַח, *qetsach*) refers to a specific cultivated plant, most commonly identified as black cumin or black seed (*Nigella sativa*). The base definition provided suggests an etymological root meaning "to incise," which may allude to the pungent or sharp nature of the plant's seeds, or perhaps the method of extracting them. While sometimes translated as "fennelflower" or "fitches," the botanical consensus leans toward *Nigella sativa* due to its unique harvesting requirements mentioned in the biblical text. The "pungency" aspect aligns with the culinary use of black cumin seeds as a spice, known for their distinct flavor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7100}}` appears exclusively in the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapter 28. Its two occurrences are found in [[Isaiah 28:25]] and [[Isaiah 28:27]]. In this passage, the prophet Isaiah employs agricultural metaphors to illustrate the wisdom and purposeful activity of Yahweh.
In [[Isaiah 28:25]], the text states, "When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow black cumin (`{{H7100}}`) and scatter cummin (`{{H2236}}`)?" This verse highlights the farmer's meticulous planning and specific methods for planting different crops. The mention of `{{H7100}}` alongside cummin (`{{H2236}}`) immediately sets up a comparison that is elaborated upon in subsequent verses.
The distinction in harvesting methods is crucial, as revealed in [[Isaiah 28:27]]: "For black cumin (`{{H7100}}`) is not threshed with a threshing sledge (`{{H1758}}`), nor is a cart wheel rolled over cummin (`{{H2236}}`); but black cumin is beaten out with a stick, and cummin with a rod (`{{H4294}}`)." This verse underscores the precise and differentiated treatment required for various crops. Unlike grains that might be threshed with heavy implements, `{{H7100}}` seeds are delicate and require a gentler method of beating with a stick to avoid crushing them. This agricultural wisdom is presented as an example of God's own wisdom in dealing with His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate context of `{{H7100}}` in Isaiah 28 brings it into relation with several agricultural terms and concepts:
* `{{H2236}}` (כַּמּוֹן, *kammon*): Cummin, another spice plant, which is explicitly contrasted with `{{H7100}}` in terms of harvesting methods.
* `{{H2232}}` (זָרַע, *zara*): To sow, indicating the act of planting.
* `{{H2233}}` (פָּזַר, *pazar*): To scatter, another term for planting.
* `{{H1758}}` (דָּגַן, *dagan*): Threshing sledge, a heavy implement used for threshing grains, explicitly *not* used for `{{H7100}}`.
* `{{H6662}}` (צָרַף, *tsaraf*): To thresh or beat out, referring to the process of separating grain from chaff.
* `{{H4294}}` (מַטֶּה, *matteh*): Stick or rod, the implement used for beating out `{{H7100}}`.
Beyond these direct linguistic connections, `{{H7100}}` is conceptually linked to the broader theme of divine wisdom (`{{H2451}}`, *chokmah*) applied to the natural order and human endeavors. It also relates to the idea of God's precise and measured discipline, as the agricultural analogy in Isaiah 28 serves to explain how God deals with Israel with specific and appropriate judgments, not indiscriminate destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7100}}` is found not in the plant itself, but in its use as a didactic tool within Isaiah's prophecy.
1. **Divine Wisdom in Creation and Providence**: The primary theological lesson is that God, the ultimate farmer, possesses perfect wisdom. Just as a human farmer knows the precise methods required for each crop—sowing, cultivating, and harvesting `{{H7100}}` with a stick and not a sledge—so too does God deal with His creation and His people with exact knowledge, purpose, and appropriate means. This illustrates God's meticulous care and intricate understanding of the natural world.
2. **Order and Purpose in God's Dealings**: The distinct handling of `{{H7100}}` and cummin signifies that God's actions are never arbitrary or chaotic. There is divine order and purpose in all His dealings, whether in the natural world or in His covenant relationship with Israel. He does not crush His people indiscriminately but disciplines them according to their specific needs and His sovereign plan.
3. **Analogy for God's Measured Discipline**: In the broader context of Isaiah 28, the agricultural analogy serves to explain God's judgment and discipline of Judah. Just as the farmer uses different tools for different crops to achieve the desired outcome without destroying the produce, so God's discipline is not meant for utter destruction but for refinement and restoration. He "threshes" His people, but always with a measured hand, according to their capacity and for a redemptive purpose. He knows when to use a gentle rod for `{{H7100}}` and when a heavier implement might be necessary for other "crops."
### Summary
`{{H7100}}` (קֶצַח, *qetsach*) refers to black cumin or fitches, a specific spice plant mentioned only twice in [[Isaiah 28:25]] and [[Isaiah 28:27]]. Its significance lies entirely in its role as an illustration within Isaiah's prophetic message. The unique and gentle method required for harvesting `{{H7100}}` (beating with a stick rather than a heavy threshing sledge) serves as a powerful metaphor for God's divine wisdom, meticulous care, and purposeful order in His dealings with humanity. It underscores that God's actions, including His discipline, are always precise, appropriate, and aimed at a specific, often redemptive, outcome, rather than indiscriminate destruction.
TRV