### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râkal**, represented by `{{H7402}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to travel for trading** and is often translated as **(spice) merchant**. It appears **17 times** across **15 unique verses**, primarily highlighting the activities of commerce and the identity of those who engage in it. The term is central to descriptions of international trade and the economic life of ancient cities and nations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7402}}` is used extensively in the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel. Tyre is directly addressed as a **merchant** of the people for many isles [[Ezekiel 27:3]]. This chapter details a vast network of trade, listing nations like Javan, Tubal, and Meshech as Tyre's **merchants** who traded in human lives and brass vessels [[Ezekiel 27:13]]. The **merchants** of Sheba and Raamah supplied spices, precious stones, and gold [[Ezekiel 27:22]]. The word also appears in the context of Jerusalem's restoration, where **merchants** participated in repairing the city wall [[Nehemiah 3:32]], and in describing Solomon's wealth, derived in part from the "spice **merchants**" [[1 Kings 10:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of commerce and trade:
* `{{H3667}}` **Kᵉnaʻan**: While known as the name for a land and people, this word can also mean **merchant** or **traffick**. It is used to describe a "land of **traffick**" with a "city of merchants" [[Ezekiel 17:4]] and is used figuratively to describe a deceitful **merchant** [[Hosea 12:7]].
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar**: This root word means **to sell**. It is foundational to the merchant's role, seen in laws regarding commerce [[Leviticus 25:14]] and narratives where individuals are **sold**, as when Joseph's brothers **sold** him to the Ishmeelites [[Genesis 37:28]].
* `{{H4536}}` **miçchâr**: This term for **trade** or **traffic** is used directly alongside `{{H7402}}` to describe the "traffick of the spice merchants" contributing to the king's revenue [[1 Kings 10:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7402}}` is demonstrated through its narrative context, often linking commerce with national identity and divine judgment.
* **Symbol of Worldly Pride:** In Ezekiel 27, the depiction of Tyre's extensive trade network, built by its **merchants**, serves as a symbol of its worldly glory and pride, which ultimately leads to its judgment. Similarly, Nineveh is described as having multiplied its **merchants** above the stars just before its prophesied ruin [[Nahum 3:16]].
* **Engine of International Exchange:** The detailed lists in Ezekiel 27 show that **merchants** were the links between disparate peoples, from Judah and Israel [[Ezekiel 27:17]] to Dedan [[Ezekiel 27:20]] and Haran [[Ezekiel 27:23]], creating a complex web of global interaction.
* **Civic Participation:** In a more positive light, the **merchants** in Nehemiah are portrayed as integral members of the community, contributing their efforts to the sacred work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls [[Nehemiah 3:31-32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7402}}` defines the role of the **merchant** as a central figure in the economic and civic life of the ancient world. The word carries a dual connotation, representing both the productive, community-building aspects of trade and the potential for worldly pride and arrogance that can attract divine judgment. Through **râkal**, scripture paints a vivid picture of a world interconnected by commerce, where the merchant's travels shape the destinies of nations.
TRV