### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rômach**, represented by `{{H7420}}`, refers to a **lance, javelin, lancet, or spear**. Derived from a root meaning to hurl, it specifically denotes a thrown spear or its iron point. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses, primarily in the context of military equipment and conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{H7420}}` is a standard weapon for an organized army. It is frequently listed as part of a soldier's essential gear, alongside shields, swords, and helmets. During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall, half of Nehemiah's servants held **spears** to guard the workers ([[Nehemiah 4:16]], [[Nehemiah 4:21]]). Kings like Asa, Amaziah, and Uzziah are described as equipping their armies with thousands of **spears** as a measure of their military strength ([[2 Chronicles 14:8]], [[2 Chronicles 25:5]], [[2 Chronicles 26:14]]). The term is also used for a specific act of violence, as when Phinehas took a **javelin** in his hand to execute judgment [[Numbers 25:7]], and in a ritual context, where the prophets of Baal cut themselves with **lancets** [[1 Kings 18:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the full panoply of the ancient warrior:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This term for a cutting instrument is often paired with the spear. Joel's prophecy calls for plowshares to be beaten into **swords** and pruninghooks into **spears** [[Joel 3:10]].
* `{{H6793}}` **tsinnâh** (shield, target): A large defensive shield, frequently mentioned as the companion to the spear. The mighty Gadites who joined David were experts who could handle the **shield** and **buckler** `{{H7420}}` [[1 Chronicles 12:8]].
* `{{H4043}}` **mâgên** (shield, buckler): Often a smaller shield, this defensive tool is listed with the spear as fundamental military equipment, the absence of which signified weakness in Israel [[Judges 5:8]].
* `{{H3553}}` **kôwbaʻ** (helmet): Essential head protection for a soldier, this piece of armor is mentioned alongside spears when preparing for battle [[Jeremiah 46:4]].
* `{{H8302}}` **shiryôwn** (coat of mail, habergeon): This body armor completes the defensive array of a soldier, equipped also with **spears**, shields, and bows [[Nehemiah 4:16]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H7420}}` carries significant thematic weight in scripture.
* **Military Readiness and National Strength:** The presence and number of **spears** often serve as a direct indicator of a nation's power and preparedness for war. Uzziah preparing **spears** for his "whole host" demonstrates organized military might [[2 Chronicles 26:14]]. Conversely, the question of whether a **spear** was "seen among forty thousand in Israel" highlights a period of military subjugation [[Judges 5:8]].
* **Instrument of Zealous Judgment:** The **javelin** `{{H7420}}` becomes more than a weapon in the hands of Phinehas. It is the tool he uses to execute God's judgment and end a plague, representing righteous, decisive action [[Numbers 25:7]].
* **Symbol of Human Conflict:** In a striking reversal of prophecies about peace, Joel commands the nations to turn their agricultural tools into weapons, specifically their pruninghooks into **spears** `{{H7420}}`, symbolizing a total mobilization for war [[Joel 3:10]].
* **Tools of Futile Worship:** The unique use of the word as **lancets** by the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel contrasts the true power of God with their desperate and bloody self-mutilation [[1 Kings 18:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7420}}` is a crucial term in the biblical lexicon of conflict. While its primary meaning is a spear or lance, its application extends beyond a simple weapon description. It functions as a symbol of military power, a tool for divine judgment, an emblem of worldly rebellion, and an instrument in pagan rituals. From the arming of entire armies to the single, decisive act of one man, the **rômach** represents the tangible reality of war and violence in the biblical world.
TRV