from רָכַב; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. the upper millstone; chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon.
Transliteration:rekeb
Pronunciation:reh'-keb
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun rekeb (רֶכֶב, `{{H7393}}`) derives from the verbal root rakab (רָכַב, `{{H7392}}`), meaning "to ride" or "to mount." Consequently, rekeb primarily denotes "that which is ridden" or "a vehicle." Its semantic range is quite broad, encompassing several related concepts:
1. **Vehicle:** Most commonly, it refers to a "chariot" (a war vehicle) or a "wagon" (a transport vehicle). This is its foundational meaning, representing a conveyance designed for riding or carrying.
2. **Team/Cavalry:** By implication or extension, it can refer to the "team" of horses pulling a chariot, or collectively to "cavalry" or "charioteers"—the military unit associated with chariots.
3. **Rider (analogous):** In an analogous sense, it refers to the "upper millstone." This unique usage stems from the idea that the upper stone "rides" or rotates upon the lower, stationary stone during the grinding process.
4. **Multitude (marginal):** Less frequently, and sometimes noted as a marginal reading or contextual inference, it can refer to a "multitude," likely in the sense of a large company of riders or vehicles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term rekeb appears over 120 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in its primary sense of "chariot" or "wagon."
* **Chariot (Warfare):** This is the most prevalent usage, often symbolizing military might and technological superiority.
* The formidable chariots of Egypt are a recurring motif in the Exodus narrative, representing Pharaoh's power and God's triumph over it ([[Exodus 14:7]], [[Exodus 14:9]], [[Exodus 14:25]]).
* Canaanite forces, such as those led by Sisera, relied heavily on iron chariots, posing a significant threat to Israel ([[Judges 4:3]], [[Judges 4:13]]).
* Later, Israelite kings, like Solomon, amassed chariots, sometimes contrary to divine instruction, for military and prestige purposes ([[1 Kings 10:26]], [[1 Kings 10:29]]).
* The destruction of chariots is often a sign of divine judgment or victory ([[Psalm 46:9]], [[Haggai 2:22]]).
* **Wagon (Transport):** rekeb also denotes a vehicle for transport, often in a more mundane context.
* Joseph sends wagons from Egypt to bring his father Jacob and his family to Goshen ([[Genesis 45:19]], [[Genesis 45:21]], [[Genesis 45:27]]).
* The tribes bring covered wagons for transporting tabernacle components ([[Numbers 7:3]], [[Numbers 7:7]]).
* **Cavalry/Horsemen:** In some contexts, rekeb can refer to the collective body of charioteers or cavalry, often paired with "horses" (סוּס, `{{H5483}}`).
* The Syrians are described as having "horses and chariots" ([[2 Kings 6:15]], [[2 Kings 7:6]]).
* **Upper Millstone:** This specific and critical domestic item is called rekeb because it "rides" atop the lower millstone.
* The Law explicitly prohibits taking an upper or lower millstone as a pledge, as it would deprive a family of their means of daily sustenance ([[Deuteronomy 24:6]]).
* The scales of Leviathan are poetically compared to the layers of an upper millstone, emphasizing their impenetrable hardness ([[Job 41:15]]).
* **Divine Chariots:** Significantly, rekeb is used to describe divine conveyances, symbolizing God's majesty, power, and swift movement.
* Elijah ascends to heaven in a "chariot of fire" ([[2 Kings 2:11]]).
* Elisha's servant sees the mountains full of "horses and chariots of fire" protecting them ([[2 Kings 6:17]]).
* God's chariots are described as myriad and mighty ([[Psalm 68:17]], [[Habakkuk 3:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship is with the verb rakab (רָכַב, `{{H7392}}`), "to ride," which forms the semantic basis for rekeb. Other related terms include:
* sus (סוּס, `{{H5483}}`): "horse," frequently paired with rekeb to denote a military unit.
* parash (פָּרָשׁ, `{{H6571}}`): "horseman" or "cavalryman."
* merkābāh (מֶרְכָּבָה, `{{H4818}}`): A related noun, also meaning "chariot," often used in more specialized or visionary contexts (e.g., Ezekiel's vision of the divine chariot-throne).
* Concepts associated with rekeb include military power, royal prestige, divine intervention, swift movement, and essential daily sustenance (in the case of the millstone).
### Theological Significance
The multifaceted nature of rekeb yields several significant theological insights:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The frequent depiction of God's rekeb (chariots) underscores His immense power, swiftness, and ability to intervene decisively in human affairs. The "chariots of fire" in the narratives of Elijah and Elisha vividly portray divine protection and the supernatural dimension of God's presence. God is not limited by human military might; indeed, He commands heavenly hosts far surpassing any earthly army ([[Psalm 68:17]]).
2. **Contrast Between Human Strength and Divine Trust:** The Bible often contrasts reliance on human military power, symbolized by chariots, with trust in the Lord. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." This highlights a central biblical theme: human self-sufficiency, particularly in military strength, is ultimately futile compared to God's omnipotence ([[Isaiah 31:1]]). The destruction of enemy chariots by divine hand serves as a powerful testament to God's supremacy.
3. **Divine Provision and Care:** The use of rekeb as "wagon" for transport, as seen with Joseph providing for his family, subtly points to God's providence and care for His people, ensuring their safe passage and sustenance.
4. **Social Justice and Compassion:** The prohibition against taking a millstone (rekeb) as a pledge in [[Deuteronomy 24:6]] demonstrates God's profound concern for the poor and vulnerable. It reveals a divine law that protects the basic means of survival, ensuring that no one is stripped of the tools necessary to provide for themselves and their families. This reflects the compassionate heart of God embedded in the Mosaic Law.
### Summary
The Hebrew word rekeb (רֶכֶב, `{{H7393}}`) is a versatile noun rooted in the concept of "riding." Its primary meaning is "chariot" or "wagon," representing both military power and practical transport. It extends to collective units like "cavalry" and, by analogy, refers to the essential "upper millstone." Theologically, rekeb serves as a potent symbol of divine power and swift intervention, often contrasting human reliance on military might with the ultimate sovereignty of God. Its varied uses, from instruments of war to tools of daily sustenance, provide rich insights into ancient Israelite life and profound theological truths concerning God's omnipotence, providence, and compassionate justice.
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