plural of active participle of רָגַל; fullers (as tramping the cloth in washing); Rogelim, a place East of the Jordan; Rogelim.
Transliteration:Rôgᵉlîym
Pronunciation:ro-gel-eem'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7274}}` (Rôgᵉlîym) is a plural form derived from the active participle of the root verb `{{H7270}}` (rāgal). The root `{{H7270}}` primarily signifies "to tread," "to walk," or "to go about," and by extension, "to spy" or "to go about as a spy." When `{{H7274}}` is understood as a common noun, it refers to "fullers," those who tread or trample cloth in the process of washing and cleaning it. This ancient profession involved physically pressing and agitating fabric, often with the feet, to remove impurities.
However, in its biblical occurrences, `{{H7274}}` functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location: Rogelim. As a place name, Rogelim likely derives its meaning from the same root, possibly indicating a place known for its foot traffic, a well-trodden path, or perhaps even a place where fullers resided or conducted their trade. The precise etymological link to the place name is not explicitly stated in the text, but the connection to "treading" or "walking" remains foundational to its semantic range.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rogelim `{{H7274}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the historical narrative of 2 Samuel, specifically during the period of Absalom's rebellion against King David.
1. **[[2 Samuel 17:27]]**: "Now when David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds and basins and earthen vessels, wheat and barley, flour and parched grain, beans and lentils, parched seeds, honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, 'The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.'" Here, Rogelim is identified as the hometown of Barzillai, a prominent Gileadite who demonstrates remarkable loyalty and generosity by providing essential provisions for King David and his weary followers as they fled Absalom. The location of Rogelim is thus established as being in Gilead, east of the Jordan River. Its mention underscores the network of support David received from various individuals and regions during his time of distress.
2. **[[2 Samuel 19:31]]** (English 19:32): "Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; and he crossed over the Jordan with the king to escort him over the Jordan." This verse reiterates Barzillai's origin in Rogelim as he accompanies David back across the Jordan River, signifying the end of the rebellion and David's return to power. Barzillai, described as "a very aged man, eighty years old," is invited by David to live in Jerusalem and be provided for, but he humbly declines, preferring to return to his own city and die there. The repeated mention of Rogelim anchors Barzillai's identity and character to his home, highlighting his rootedness and integrity.
In both contexts, Rogelim is not merely a geographical marker but serves to identify Barzillai, a man of significant moral character and unwavering loyalty. The place is defined by the person who comes from it, rather than having an independent narrative role.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root `{{H7270}}` (rāgal), from which `{{H7274}}` is derived. This root carries a semantic range that includes:
* **Physical Movement**: "to walk," "to tread," "to go about." This is seen in words like regel (foot) or ragli (footman, runner). The connection to "fullers" (those who tread cloth) is a direct application of this meaning.
* **Exploration/Surveillance**: "to spy," "to go about as a spy." This meaning is prominent in narratives involving reconnaissance, such as the spies sent into Canaan (e.g., [[Numbers 13:17]], [[Joshua 2:1]]).
While `{{H7274}}` itself is not used in the "spy" sense, the underlying root connects it to a broader lexicon of movement and observation. The concept of "treading" could metaphorically extend to a place that is well-trodden, either by people or perhaps even by animals.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical connections, include:
* **Gilead**: The region in which Rogelim was located, known for its rugged terrain and its people's distinct identity.
* **Hospitality and Provision**: The actions of Barzillai from Rogelim exemplify biblical principles of hospitality and providing for those in need, especially a righteous king in distress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Rogelim `{{H7274}}` is primarily derived from its association with Barzillai the Gileadite. While the place itself does not carry inherent theological weight, its role as Barzillai's home imbues it with indirect meaning:
1. **Divine Provision through Human Agents**: During David's desperate flight from Absalom, God orchestrated provision through faithful individuals. Barzillai, hailing from Rogelim, was a key instrument in this divine care. His generous supply of food and necessities underscores God's faithfulness to His anointed king, often working through the seemingly ordinary acts of loyal subjects from outlying regions. Rogelim becomes a symbol of the unexpected sources of divine aid.
2. **Loyalty and Steadfastness**: Barzillai's unwavering loyalty to David, even when the king was in exile and vulnerable, speaks volumes. His commitment, rooted in his home in Rogelim, serves as a model of steadfast devotion. This contrasts sharply with the treachery of Absalom and many others who abandoned David. The stability and integrity represented by Barzillai from Rogelim highlight the importance of faithfulness in times of crisis.
3. **Humility and Wisdom**: Barzillai's refusal of David's offer to live in Jerusalem, choosing instead to return to Rogelim, demonstrates profound humility and wisdom. He recognized his age and the natural order of life, preferring the comfort and familiarity of his own land over the prestige of the royal court. This decision, made by a man from Rogelim, offers a poignant theological lesson on contentment, self-awareness, and the appropriate relinquishing of worldly honors.
4. **The Importance of the Periphery**: Rogelim, situated east of the Jordan, was not a central city of Israel. Yet, from this "peripheral" location emerged a figure crucial to the preservation of David's life and kingdom. This subtly reminds the reader that God's work is not confined to the prominent centers but extends to all corners, using individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations to fulfill His purposes.
### Summary
`{{H7274}}` (Rôgᵉlîym) is a Hebrew word with a dual semantic range: it can refer to "fullers" (those who tread cloth) based on its root `{{H7270}}` (rāgal), meaning "to tread" or "to walk." However, in its biblical occurrences, `{{H7274}}` exclusively functions as the proper noun Rogelim, a place located in Gilead, east of the Jordan River.
Rogelim is notably the hometown of Barzillai the Gileadite, a pivotal figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. Barzillai's actions, originating from Rogelim, exemplify profound loyalty, generous provision, and humble wisdom towards King David during Absalom's rebellion. The theological significance of Rogelim thus lies in its association with Barzillai, serving as a testament to divine provision through human agents, the virtue of steadfast loyalty, and the quiet wisdom found in those who remain rooted in their identity and place, even when called upon to serve at the highest levels of national crisis. Rogelim, though geographically peripheral, plays a vital role in illustrating God's care for His king through the faithfulness of His people.
TRV