### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râtham**, represented by `{{H7573}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to yoke up (to the pole of a vehicle); bind**. It is a very specific term that appears only **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, tying its entire meaning to a single, powerful prophetic context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H7573}}` is found in [[Micah 1:13]], where the prophet issues a command: "O thou inhabitant of Lachish, **bind** the chariot to the swift beast." This instruction is not for a routine journey but is part of a pronouncement of judgment. The act of yoking the chariot is a frantic preparation for flight or battle, prompted by the dire situation facing the city. The verse explicitly links this action to the city's guilt, stating that the transgressions `{{H6588}}` of Israel were found in Lachish, which was "the beginning of the sin `{{H2403}}` to the daughter of Zion."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Micah 1:13]] illuminate the scene of judgment:
* `{{H4818}}` **merkâbâh** (a chariot): This is the object being bound, a symbol of military might and transportation. In other contexts, God is depicted as overthrowing chariots, highlighting their futility against His power [[Haggai 2:22]].
* `{{H7409}}` **rekesh** (a relay of animals on a post-route... a courser; dromedary, mule, swift beast): This refers to the fast animal the chariot is yoked to, emphasizing the urgency and speed of the situation.
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to sit down... to dwell, to remain... inhabit(-ant)): This identifies the subject of the command—the people living in Lachish who are now forced to act because of their choices.
* `{{H6588}}` **peshaʻ** (a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass): This word provides the reason for the judgment that necessitates the binding of the chariot. God's response to transgression is a core theme [[Isaiah 58:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7573}}` is concentrated entirely within its singular appearance:
* **An Action of Urgency:** The command to "bind" the chariot is not a calm preparation but a desperate, hurried reaction. It represents a moment where the consequences of sin have become immediate and tangible, forcing the inhabitants `{{H3427}}` of Lachish into action.
* **Consequence of Transgression:** The yoking is a direct result of the city's transgressions `{{H6588}}` and sin `{{H2403}}`. The physical act of preparing for war or flight is inextricably linked to the spiritual and moral rebellion of the people.
* **Symbol of Futile Defense:** While the inhabitants bind their military equipment for defense, other scriptures reveal that human preparations like chariots `{{H4818}}` are ultimately overthrown by God's judgment [[Haggai 2:22]]. The act symbolizes humanity's futile attempts to save itself from divine reckoning.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7573}}` **râtham** provides a unique and vivid snapshot of cause and effect in scripture. While its definition is a simple action—"to bind" or "yoke up"—its single use in [[Micah 1:13]] transforms it into a powerful symbol. It illustrates how the abstract reality of sin `{{H2403}}` and transgression `{{H6588}}` leads to a concrete, frantic moment of human action, binding a chariot `{{H4818}}` in a desperate but ultimately insufficient response to impending judgment.
TRV