feminine of the same as רֶגֶם; a pile (of stones), i.e. (figuratively) a throng; council.
Transliteration:rigmâh
Pronunciation:rig-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term rigmâh (`{{H7277}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the same root as regem (`{{H7276}}`), which denotes a "pile" or "heap," most commonly of stones. The foundational meaning of rigmâh therefore centers on the concept of an accumulated mass. From this literal sense of a "pile of stones," the word extends metaphorically to describe a "throng" or "crowd" of people, emphasizing their collective, gathered nature. A further semantic development leads to the meaning of "council," referring to an assembly of individuals convened for deliberation or action. The transition from a static pile of objects to a dynamic gathering of people underscores the core idea of an *assembly* or *collection*.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word rigmâh (`{{H7277}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Psalm 68:27]]. The verse reads: "There is Benjamin, the least of them, leading them, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali." (ESV). In this context, rigmâh (בְּרִגְמָתָם - be-rigmâtâm, "in their throng/council") describes the assembled company of the princes from the various Israelite tribes. The psalm celebrates God's triumphant procession and the gathering of His people. The use of rigmâh here emphasizes the collective, organized presence of these leaders, participating in a grand, divinely orchestrated procession. It is not a chaotic mob, but an ordered assembly, highlighting the unity and presence of the tribes under God's leadership. The imagery aligns with the idea of a cohesive body, much like a well-formed pile or an established council.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is regem (`{{H7276}}`), the masculine form of the noun, which also means "heap" or "pile," often of stones. The verbal root ragam (`{{H7275}}`) means "to stone" or "to throw stones," reinforcing the connection to stones as fundamental components of a pile. Semantically, rigmâh as a "throng" or "council" connects to other Hebrew terms denoting various forms of assembly or congregation, such as qahal (`{{H6951}}`, "assembly, congregation") or edah (`{{H5712}}`, "congregation, community"). While not etymologically linked, these words share the conceptual domain of people gathered together. The underlying concept unifying these forms is that of *gathering*, *assembling*, or *collecting* discrete elements into a unified whole.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of rigmâh in [[Psalm 68:27]] carries significant theological weight within the broader context of the psalm. Psalm 68 is a grand celebration of God's power, His leadership over Israel, and His triumph over enemies. The "throng" or "council" of princes described by rigmâh represents the assembled, organized people of God participating in His victorious procession. This imagery underscores the divine ordering of the community and the unity of the tribes under God's sovereign hand. Even Benjamin, the "least of them," is noted as leading, which subtly highlights God's ability to elevate the humble and His unconventional choices in leadership, all within the framework of an ordered assembly. The word subtly conveys the idea of strength and purpose found in collective unity, a body brought together by divine purpose, reminiscent of the Church as the "assembly" of believers.
### Summary
Rigmâh (`{{H7277}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun, appearing only once in the Bible, in [[Psalm 68:27]]. Its core meaning stems from "a pile of stones," extending figuratively to "a throng" or "council." In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the assembled princes of Israel participating in a divine procession, emphasizing their ordered unity and collective presence under God's leadership. Related to the root meaning of "heap" or "pile," rigmâh underscores the concept of an intentional gathering. Theologically, it points to the divinely organized nature of God's people, moving in concert and demonstrating the strength and purpose found in collective assembly under His guidance.
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