The Hebrew word qôrêʼ, represented by H7124, means partridge. The name itself is derived from the idea of a "caller," a reference to the bird's distinctive cry. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, where it is used symbolically to illustrate themes of persecution and unjust gain.
The two biblical occurrences of H7124 present the partridge in distinct metaphorical contexts. In 1 Samuel 26:20, David, hiding from King Saul, compares himself to the bird, asking why the king of Israel has come out "to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains." Here, the image emphasizes vulnerability and the futility of a powerful king pursuing a defenseless individual. In contrast, Jeremiah 17:11 uses the bird in a proverb: "As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right," warning that such gains will be lost and end in folly.
Several related words help illuminate the context surrounding the partridge imagery:
- H7291 râdaph (to run after): Used in 1 Samuel 26:20 to describe how one does "hunt" a partridge. This word often implies a hostile chase or persecution, capturing the intensity of Saul's pursuit of David.
- H1245 bâqash (to search out): This word describes Saul's mission to "seek" David, who likens himself to a single flea 1 Samuel 26:20. The term is also frequently used in scripture to describe the act of seeking God.
- H1716 dâgar (to brood over eggs or young): This verb is directly paired with the partridge in Jeremiah 17:11, where it "sitteth" on eggs. It describes the act of nesting and gathering, which in this proverb, leads to a failed outcome.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young): Translated as "hatcheth" in Jeremiah 17:11, this word highlights the failure of the partridge's efforts. The eggs it sits on do not result in new life, symbolizing the ultimate barrenness of dishonest labor.
The theological weight of H7124 is found in its powerful symbolism. The word is used to convey pointed moral and spiritual lessons.
- A Symbol of the Persecuted Innocent: In David's speech, the hunted partridge becomes a figure for the righteous individual unjustly targeted by a greater power. It is an appeal for justice before the LORD 1 Samuel 26:20.
- A Metaphor for Unjust Gain: Jeremiah employs the partridge to illustrate the principle that wealth acquired "not by right" is ultimately insecure and leads to ruin. The effort invested is futile, as the gains will be abandoned Jeremiah 17:11.
- A Warning Against Folly: Both uses serve as a caution. David highlights the foolishness of Saul's massive effort to catch one insignificant man, while Jeremiah declares that the one who gains riches unjustly will be a "fool" in the end Jeremiah 17:11.
In summary, though rare, H7124 qôrêʼ serves as a potent and memorable symbol in scripture. As the hunted partridge, it illustrates the plight of the vulnerable and the unjustly persecuted. As the nesting partridge, it becomes a stark warning against the futility and foolishness of acquiring wealth through dishonest means, demonstrating how biblical imagery can convey profound lessons on justice and righteousness.
TRV