The Hebrew word shâchîyç, represented by H7823, refers to aftergrowth, or that which springs up in a subsequent year. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in Scripture, always in the context of agricultural growth that occurs without human cultivation. Its definition is specifically "aftergrowth; (that) which springeth of the same."
Both occurrences of H7823 are found in parallel passages that describe a divine sign given to Hezekiah. God promises that the people will first eat H398 what grows of itself H5599 in the first year, and then in the second year, they will eat "that which springeth of the same" H7823. This period of miraculous provision is followed by a third year where they will return to normal agricultural practices: to sow H2232, reap H7114, and plant H5193 vineyards (2 Kings 19:29, Isaiah 37:30).
Several related agricultural terms clarify the meaning of H7823 by contrast:
- H5599 çâphîyach (something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e. a self-sown crop): This is the growth of the first year, immediately preceding the aftergrowth of H7823. It is also used in the context of the sabbath year, where the land is to rest and reaping what grows of its own accord is forbidden Leviticus 25:5.
- H2232 zâraʻ (to sow): This word represents the return to human agricultural effort. The promise that the people will once again sow H2232 and reap signifies the end of the crisis and the restoration of normalcy 2 Kings 19:29. It is often used figuratively, as in the command to sow in righteousness Hosea 10:12.
- H7114 qâtsar (to harvest): The counterpart to sowing, this word for reaping completes the agricultural cycle. The ability to reap H7114 again is the fulfillment of the sign that begins with the provision of H7823 Isaiah 37:30.
The theological significance of H7823 is tied directly to its context as a divine promise.
- A Sign of Divine Provision: The word is a key element in a two-year sign where God provides food without human labor. The people survive on self-sown crops H5599 and then the aftergrowth H7823, demonstrating God's care in a time of siege or devastation.
- Promise of Restoration: The sequence described in the text—eating spontaneous growth for two years before returning to normal farming—serves as a guarantee of future restoration and peace. The third year of sowing and reaping marks the fulfillment of God's promise (2 Kings 19:29, Isaiah 37:30).
- A Period of Enforced Rest: The situation mirrors the principle of a sabbatical rest for the land. While the people cannot work the fields, God ensures the land still provides for them, underscoring his sovereignty over both the land and the nation's circumstances.
In summary, H7823 is a specific and rare term for "aftergrowth." It functions exclusively within a prophetic sign to illustrate God's miraculous provision during a time of crisis. By appearing between the first year's spontaneous growth and the third year's return to normal sowing and reaping, it serves as a critical bridge in a promise of deliverance and restoration.
TRV