### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rᵉʼêm**, represented by `{{H7214}}`, refers to a **wild bull** or **unicorn**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently denotes a creature of immense strength, power, and an untamable nature, often used symbolically to represent formidable might.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7214}}` is used to illustrate concepts of power and sovereignty. God's strength on behalf of Israel is compared to the **strength** (`{{H8443}}`) of an **unicorn** ([[Numbers 23:22]], [[Numbers 24:8]]). In a prophecy concerning the tribes of Joseph, its horns symbolize the military power to **push** (`{{H5055}}`) the people to the ends of the earth [[Deuteronomy 33:17]]. The book of Job highlights its wild independence, asking if the **unicorn** will be **willing** (`{{H14}}`) to **serve** (`{{H5647}}`) man or be bound in the furrow [[Job 39:9-10]]. It is also used in descriptions of God’s power over creation, where His voice makes Lebanon **skip** (`{{H7540}}`) like a young **unicorn** [[Psalms 29:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the characteristics of the `rᵉʼêm`:
* `{{H7161}}` **qeren** (horn): The horn is the primary symbol of the `rᵉʼêm`'s power, used for both deliverance and destruction. The psalmist asks to be saved from the **horns** of the unicorns [[Psalms 22:21]], while also celebrating that his own **horn** is exalted like that of a unicorn [[Psalms 92:10]].
* `{{H8443}}` **tôwʻâphâh** (strength): This word is used exclusively in connection with the `rᵉʼêm` to describe the mighty power God imparted to Israel when He brought them out of Egypt ([[Numbers 23:22]], [[Numbers 24:8]]).
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to serve): This word highlights the indomitable nature of the `rᵉʼêm`. God challenges Job with the fact that this powerful creature will not willingly **serve** him, demonstrating a force of nature that is beyond human domestication [[Job 39:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7214}}` is demonstrated through its symbolic usage.
* **Strength from God:** The power of the `rᵉʼêm` is not presented as an independent force but as a metaphor for the strength God gives His people, particularly in the context of their exodus from **Egypt** (`{{H4714}}`) [[Numbers 23:22]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Job uses the `rᵉʼêm` to illustrate a creature that man cannot tame or **bind** (`{{H7194}}`), thereby magnifying God's sole authority and creative power over all living things [[Job 39:10]].
* **Instrument of Divine Will:** The `rᵉʼêm` can be an instrument of blessing, representing the promised might of Ephraim and Manasseh [[Deuteronomy 33:17]], or an agent of judgment, participating in the day when the land will be **soaked** (`{{H7301}}`) with **blood** (`{{H1818}}`) [[Isaiah 34:7]].
* **Symbol of Exaltation and Peril:** The horn of the `rᵉʼêm` represents both the pinnacle of God-given strength and honor [[Psalms 92:10]] and a mortal threat from which only God can **save** (`{{H3467}}`) someone [[Psalms 22:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7214}}` is far more than a simple zoological term. It functions as a potent biblical symbol of untamed power, wild independence, and formidable strength. Whether describing the might God grants to His people, illustrating the limits of human control over creation, or acting as an agent of divine will, the `rᵉʼêm` consistently points to a power that is awesome and subject only to God.
TRV