The Hebrew word shay, represented by H7862, denotes a gift or present. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term consistently refers to a formal presentation or tribute brought to a place of significance or to God Himself.
In each of its uses, H7862 is presented as an offering to God. In Psalms, kings are prophesied to bring H2986 presents to God's temple H1964 at Jerusalem H3389 Psalms 68:29. It is also described as an act of worship, urging all to vow H5087 and pay H7999 unto the LORD H3068 by bringing presents to Him who ought to be feared H4172 Psalms 76:11. Isaiah portrays a future time when a present will be brought H2986 to the LORD of hosts H6635 at mount H2022 Zion H6726 by a formerly scattered and terrible people H5971 Isaiah 18:7.
Several related words expand upon the context of bringing a gift:
- H2986 yâbal (to bring forth, carry): This verb is used in all three instances of H7862, describing the action of carrying the present with a sense of ceremony or pomp. It highlights that the gift is being formally conveyed to its recipient (Isaiah 18:7, Psalms 68:29).
- H1964 hêykâl (palace, temple): This word specifies the destination of the present in Psalms 68:29. It establishes the gift as an offering brought to the sacred dwelling place of God, a large public building signifying His majesty.
- H4172 môwrâʼ (fear, terror, terribleness): This term characterizes the recipient of the present in Psalms 76:11. Bringing a gift is an act of reverence and homage to "him that ought to be feared," connecting the offering to an acknowledgment of God's awesome power.
The theological weight of H7862 is significant in its context.
- Homage to Divine Kingship: The act of kings H4428 and nations H1471 bringing a present H7862 is a clear acknowledgment of God's supreme authority. It is a tribute paid not to an earthly ruler, but to the LORD H3068 of hosts H6635 (Psalms 68:29, Isaiah 18:7).
- An Act of Worship: Bringing a present is directly linked to the fulfillment of vows H5087 and reverence for God H430 Psalms 76:11. The gift serves as a tangible expression of devotion and the payment of what is due to Him.
- Universal Recognition of God: Isaiah's prophecy describes a formidable and scattered people H5971 bringing a present to mount H2022 Zion H6726. This illustrates a future time when even those previously distant or opposed to God will come to honor Him at His chosen place H4725 Isaiah 18:7.
In summary, H7862 shay is not merely a common gift, but a significant tribute offered to God. It symbolizes homage, reverence, and worship. Its limited use in Scripture is focused and powerful, depicting kings and nations acknowledging the sovereignty of the LORD by bringing presents to His holy place, the temple H1964 in Zion H6726.
TRV