### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rab**, represented by `{{H7228}}`, is a specific term for an **archer**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This word, by contraction from רָבַב, consistently refers to a bowman, typically in the context of a military or hostile force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7228}}` is used to depict agents of both divine judgment and personal suffering. In Jeremiah, a call goes out for **archers** to assemble against Babylon as instruments of God's wrath, to "recompense her according to her work" [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. In a more personal and metaphorical sense, Job laments that God's **archers** "compass me round about," describing the overwhelming and relentless nature of his trials [[Job 16:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the context of [[Jeremiah 50:29]] help frame the role of the archer:
* `{{H1869}}` **dârak** (to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow...): This verb describes the action of the archer, to **bend** the bow [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. It can also mean to lead or guide, as when God promises to **guide** the meek [[Psalms 25:9]].
* `{{H6413}}` **pᵉlêyṭâh** (deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion): The archers are commanded to prevent any **escape** from Babylon [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. In other contexts, it refers to a preserved remnant, such as "them that are **escaped** of Israel" [[Isaiah 4:2]].
* `{{H7198}}` **qesheth** (a bow, for shooting...): This is the archer's weapon, the **bow** [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. It often symbolizes military might, which God can render useless, as He "breaketh the **bow**" to make wars cease [[Psalms 46:9]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently...): This word is used to "Call together" the archers [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. More broadly, it signifies hearing with obedience, as in the declaration that "to **obey** is better than sacrifice" [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7228}}` is concentrated in its powerful imagery of assault and judgment.
* **Agents of Divine Judgment:** In Jeremiah, the archers are not an independent force but are explicitly called by God to act as His agents of retribution against Babylon for its pride against the Lord [[Jeremiah 50:29]].
* **Metaphor for Sovereign Affliction:** Job uses the image of "His archers" to describe the source of his intense personal suffering. This illustrates a theology where even profound personal trials are seen as originating from God's sovereign hand [[Job 16:13]].
* **Inescapable Siege:** Both verses depict the archers as compassing their target "round about." This imagery underscores the complete and inescapable nature of the assault, whether it is the judgment of a nation or the cleaving of a man's "reins asunder" ([[Jeremiah 50:29]], [[Job 16:13]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7228}}` **rab** is a precise term for **archer** that, despite its rare use, carries significant weight. It is not a neutral descriptor but is consistently employed within contexts of intense conflict. It illustrates how God can use human warriors as instruments of His judgment against a proud nation [[Jeremiah 50:29]] and serves as a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming and personal nature of divinely ordained suffering [[Job 16:13]].
TRV