a form of רַחוּם; Rechum, the name of a Persian and of three Israelites; Rehum.
Transliteration:Rᵉchûwm
Pronunciation:rekh-oom'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7348}}` (Rᵉchûwm) is a proper noun, serving as a personal name. Its core meaning is derived directly from the root `{{H7349}}` (rachum), which functions as an adjective meaning "compassionate," "merciful," or "pitying." Therefore, the name "Rechum" itself conveys the sense of "compassionate" or "one who is shown mercy/compassion." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily limited to identifying individuals, yet the underlying etymology imbues the name with significant connotative meaning, linking it directly to the divine attribute of mercy and compassion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H7348}}` appears in several contexts within the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying both Israelites and a non-Israelite official:
1. **Rechum, the Persian Official:** In [[Ezra 4:8-9]], [[Ezra 4:17]], and [[Ezra 4:23]], Rechum is identified as a "commander" or "chancellor" (בְּעֵל טְעֵם, be'el tᵉ'em) in the Persian administration. He is a prominent figure among those who wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, falsely accusing the returning Jews and seeking to halt the rebuilding of the temple and city walls in Jerusalem. His actions are explicitly antagonistic to God's people and their divinely ordained task. The irony of a name meaning "compassionate" or "merciful" being borne by an individual actively engaged in opposing and afflicting the people of God is striking.
2. **Rechum, the Israelite Returnees:**
* **[[Ezra 2:2]]**: Rechum is listed among the leaders who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, signifying his participation in the initial restoration of the Jewish community in Judah.
* **[[Nehemiah 10:25]]**: A "Rechum" is listed among the Levites who sealed the solemn covenant made by the people under Nehemiah, pledging to walk in God's law. This individual may or may not be the same as the one in [[Ezra 2:2]], but he is clearly committed to the spiritual renewal of the nation.
* **[[Nehemiah 12:3]]**: A "Rechum" is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This could be the same individual as in [[Ezra 2:2]] or a different priest bearing the same name. His inclusion among the priests emphasizes his role in the religious life of the restored community.
The occurrences highlight the name's presence among both antagonists and faithful participants in the post-exilic period, underscoring that while a name may carry a specific meaning, the character and actions of the individual ultimately define their legacy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H7348}}` is its root, `{{H7349}}` (rachum), the adjective "compassionate" or "merciful." This word, along with its related forms, is central to biblical theology:
* **`{{H7355}}` (rachamim)**: The plural noun, meaning "compassion," "mercy," or "pity," often used to describe God's tender mercies and deep emotional responsiveness.
* **`{{H7356}}` (racham)**: The verb, meaning "to be compassionate," "to show mercy," or "to have pity."
* **Divine Attributes**: The concept of *racham* is a foundational attribute of God, frequently paired with *chesed* (steadfast love). God is often described as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([[Exodus 34:6]], [[Psalm 103:8]], [[Joel 2:13]], [[Jonah 4:2]]). This divine characteristic is the basis for Israel's hope and salvation.
* **Human Compassion**: While primarily an attribute of God, *racham* also describes human compassion and pity, often in the context of parental love (e.g., a mother's compassion for her child).
* **Covenant Fidelity**: God's *racham* is intricately linked to His covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people despite their failures.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7348}}` itself is a proper noun, its etymological link to the concept of *racham* imbues it with theological resonance.
1. **Reflection of Divine Character**: The very existence of a name like "Rechum" (compassionate) among the Israelites serves as a subtle testament to the pervasive understanding of God's character as merciful and compassionate. In a period of national restoration following judgment, the hope for and experience of God's *racham* would have been paramount.
2. **Irony and Human Opposition**: The most striking theological point arises from the Persian Rechum. His name, meaning "compassionate," stands in stark contrast to his actions of hostility and opposition to God's people. This serves as a poignant reminder that human actions can contradict even the inherent meaning of one's name, highlighting the reality of human rebellion against divine purposes, even when those purposes are rooted in mercy and restoration. It underscores that true compassion is not merely a label but a disposition and a set of actions aligned with God's will.
3. **Hope in Restoration**: For the Israelites bearing the name, "Rechum" could have signified a personal hope in God's mercy, a thanksgiving for the compassion shown in their return from exile, or even a personal characteristic of empathy and care. Their participation in the rebuilding and covenant renewal reflects a response to God's grace and a desire to embody His character.
### Summary
`{{H7348}}` (Rᵉchûwm) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "compassionate" or "merciful," derived from the root `{{H7349}}` (rachum). It appears in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying both a Persian official who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and several Israelites who participated in the return from exile and the spiritual renewal of the nation. The name's intrinsic meaning connects it to the profound biblical concept of *racham*, divine compassion and mercy, a foundational attribute of God. The presence of a Persian antagonist named "Rechum" creates a powerful irony, highlighting human opposition to God's merciful plans, while the Israelite bearers of the name likely reflect a deep-seated hope in or experience of God's unwavering compassion during a pivotal period of restoration.
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