from an unused root apparently meaning to hollow out; a channel or watering-box; by resemblance a ringlet of hair (as forming parallel lines); gallery, gutter, trough.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7298}}` (rahaṭ) derives from an unused root that appears to convey the sense of "to hollow out." This etymological foundation directly informs its primary semantic range, which centers on structures designed to contain or convey liquids, particularly water. Thus, `{{H7298}}` can denote a "channel," "watering-box," "trough," or "gutter." These meanings are consistently linked to the practical necessities of pastoral life and agriculture, providing water for livestock. A secondary, metaphorical usage extends its meaning by visual resemblance: `{{H7298}}` can also refer to a "ringlet" or "tress" of hair. This figurative application likely stems from the parallel, channel-like appearance of well-defined curls or braids, drawing a connection between the linear flow of water and the cascading lines of hair.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7298}}` appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, demonstrating its dual semantic range:
* **Genesis 30:38**: "And he set the rods which he had peeled before the flocks in the **gutters** in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, so that they might breed among the rods." Here, `{{H7298}}` is translated as "gutters" or "troughs" (plural, *rehaṭim*), serving as receptacles for water from which Jacob's flocks would drink. The context is Jacob's elaborate strategy to increase his speckled and spotted livestock, highlighting the practical use of these structures in animal husbandry and the providential nature of Jacob's success.
* **Genesis 30:41**: "And it came about, whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob would place the rods in the **gutters** before the eyes of the flock, so that they might breed among the rods." This verse reiterates the use of `{{H7298}}` as "gutters" or "troughs" in the same context as [[Genesis 30:38]], emphasizing their role in Jacob's breeding methods.
* **Exodus 2:16**: "Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the **troughs** to water their father’s flock." In this narrative, `{{H7298}}` again refers to "troughs" (plural, *rehaṭim*) used for watering flocks. The context sets the scene for Moses's intervention, where he helps Jethro's daughters against oppressive shepherds, demonstrating the daily struggles associated with pastoral life and the importance of these watering structures.
* **Song of Solomon 7:5**: "Your head upon you is like Carmel, and the hair of your head like purple; a king is held captive in your **tresses**." (Note: This is [[Song of Solomon 7:6]] in some English translations). In this poetic description of the beloved's beauty, `{{H7298}}` (plural, *rehaṭim*) shifts its meaning dramatically to "tresses" or "ringlets" of hair. The imagery compares the hair's rich color to purple and its abundance or captivating quality to a king being "held captive." This usage showcases the metaphorical extension of the word, likening the flowing lines of hair to channels or conduits.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7298}}` connects it to several related concepts:
* **Water and Provision**: Words related to sources of water or the act of watering, such as `{{H875}}` (be'er, "well"), `{{H4726}}` (miqveh, "collection of water"), `{{H7945}}` (shiqquyim, "watering places"), and the verb `{{H8248}}` (shaqah, "to give to drink"). The function of a `{{H7298}}` as a trough or channel underscores divine provision and the essential nature of water for life.
* **Care for Livestock**: Terms associated with pastoral life, including `{{H6629}}` (tso'n, "flock"), `{{H7462}}` (ra'ah, "to pasture" or "to shepherd"), and `{{H1808}}` (davar, "pasture"). The use of troughs is integral to the care and sustenance of flocks, a common biblical metaphor for God's care for His people.
* **Beauty and Adornment**: In its figurative sense, `{{H7298}}` relates to terms describing hair and aesthetic beauty, such as `{{H6545}}` (pera', "locks" or "unshorn hair"), `{{H5381}}` (nezer, "consecrated hair" or "crown"), and `{{H8181}}` (sa'ar, "hair"). The specific use in the Song of Solomon places it within the rich tapestry of biblical love poetry that celebrates human form and affection.
* **Hollowing/Shaping**: While the root is unused, the implied action of "hollowing out" connects `{{H7298}}` to verbs like `{{H2658}}` (chaphar, "to dig") or `{{H3738}}` (karah, "to dig, excavate"), which describe the creation of channels or depressions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7298}}` emerges from its varied contexts. In its literal sense as a "trough" or "channel," it speaks to the theme of **divine provision and sustenance**. The watering of flocks is a fundamental act of care, and in a broader sense, God is depicted as the ultimate provider who leads His people to "still waters" ([[Psalm 23:2]]). The narratives in Genesis and Exodus, where troughs are central to the well-being of flocks, subtly underscore God's concern for the practical needs of His creation and His people. Jacob's prosperity, facilitated by the troughs, is ultimately a testament to God's blessing, while Moses's defense of Jethro's daughters at the troughs foreshadows his role as a deliverer who provides for and protects God's flock.
In its metaphorical sense as "tresses" in the Song of Solomon, `{{H7298}}` highlights the **beauty of creation and the celebration of human love**. The Song of Solomon, often interpreted allegorically as the love between God and Israel or Christ and the Church, uses vivid imagery to convey deep affection. The description of the beloved's hair as captivating "tresses" elevates the mundane to the sublime, reflecting the intricate beauty woven into God's design. This dual usage of `{{H7298}}` — from a utilitarian watering device to an object of aesthetic admiration — showcases the richness and versatility of the Hebrew language, capable of expressing both the practicalities of life and the profound depths of human experience and divine artistry.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7298}}` (rahaṭ) is a multifaceted term derived from a root implying "to hollow out." Its primary meaning refers to a "channel," "watering-box," or "trough," as seen in the narratives of Genesis and Exodus, where it denotes structures essential for watering livestock. In this context, `{{H7298}}` subtly points to themes of **divine provision, sustenance, and the practicalities of pastoral life**, often a metaphor for God's care for His people. A secondary, metaphorical usage, found in the Song of Solomon, describes "ringlets" or "tresses" of hair, drawing a visual parallel between water channels and flowing locks. This application highlights **beauty, aesthetic appreciation, and the celebration of human love** within biblical poetry. Thus, `{{H7298}}` bridges the mundane and the beautiful, illustrating how even simple objects or features can carry significant theological weight, reflecting God's intricate design and care in both the practical and the poetic aspects of existence.
TRV