### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rᵉkûwsh**, represented by `{{H7399}}`, refers to **property**, **good**, **riches**, or **substance**. It appears 28 times across 27 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the passive participle of `{{H7408}}` **râkash**, meaning to gather or collect, the term specifically denotes property that has been acquired or amassed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7399}}` describes various forms of wealth and possessions. It is frequently used in the context of patriarchal wealth, such as the great **substance** gathered by Abram in Haran [[Genesis 12:5]] and the extensive riches that he and Lot possessed, which were so great they could not dwell together [[Genesis 13:6]]. The term also applies to the spoils of war, as when Jehoshaphat and his people found an abundance of **riches** among the dead bodies after a battle [[2 Chronicles 20:25]]. Furthermore, it signifies national and royal assets, including the portion of the king's **substance** designated for burnt offerings [[2 Chronicles 31:3]] and the possessions of King David's estate [[1 Chronicles 27:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of gathered property:
* `{{H7408}}` **râkash** (gather, get): This is the root verb from which **rᵉkûwsh** is derived. It appears in passages describing how substance was acquired, such as the goods Jacob had **gotten** in Padanaram [[Genesis 31:18]].
* `{{H4735}}` **miqneh** (cattle, flock, herd, possession): This term often appears alongside `{{H7399}}` to specify that a significant portion of one's substance consisted of livestock. Jacob's possessions included his **cattle** and his **goods** [[Genesis 46:6]].
* `{{H7075}}` **qinyân** (getting, goods, riches, substance): A synonym for possessions, it emphasizes property that has been acquired. Jacob's wealth is described as "the cattle of his **getting**" [[Genesis 31:18]].
* `{{H7998}}` **shâlâl** (booty, prey, spoil): This word is used in military contexts where **rᵉkûwsh** is taken as plunder. After a victory, the people of Jehoshaphat gathered **spoil**, which included an abundance of **riches** [[2 Chronicles 20:25]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H7399}}` carries significant weight in the scriptures, illustrating principles of blessing, stewardship, and judgment.
* **Sign of Divine Blessing:** The accumulation of substance is often depicted as a result of God's favor. God promised that the Israelites would leave their servitude with great **substance** [[Genesis 15:14]]. Similarly, God gave Hezekiah **substance** very much [[2 Chronicles 32:29]].
* **Resource for Worship:** Material wealth was not solely for personal gain but was also dedicated to honoring God. King Josiah gave from the king's **substance** for the passover offerings [[2 Chronicles 35:7]], and another king appointed a portion of his **substance** for burnt offerings [[2 Chronicles 31:3]].
* **Source of Conflict and Judgment:** Great substance could lead to strife, as it did between Abram and Lot [[Genesis 13:6]]. Possessions were also vulnerable; they could be carried away by enemies [[2 Chronicles 21:17]], forfeited due to disobedience [[Ezra 10:8]], or destroyed in divine judgment, as when the earth swallowed all the **goods** of Korah's company [[Numbers 16:32]].
### Summary
In summary, **rᵉkûwsh** `{{H7399}}` is more than just a word for possessions; it is a key descriptor of tangible wealth in the Old Testament. It encompasses everything from the patriarchal flocks of Abram and Jacob to the royal treasuries of Judah and the spoils of battle. The term illustrates that while substance can be a tangible sign of God's blessing and a resource for worship, it is also transient and can be a source of conflict or a subject of judgment, reminding that all property is ultimately gathered under divine providence.
TRV