or שְׂלָיו; by orthographical variation from שָׁלָה through the idea of sluggishness; the quail collectively (as slow in flight from its weight); quails.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sᵉlâv**, represented by `{{H7958}}`, refers to **quails**. The term is derived from an idea of sluggishness, reflecting the quail's slow flight due to its weight. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, always describing the birds collectively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7958}}` is exclusively associated with God's miraculous provision for the Israelites in the wilderness. After the people **asked** `{{H7592}}`, God **brought** `{{H935}}` **quails** `{{H7958}}` to **satisfy** `{{H7646}}` them [[Psalms 105:40]]. These birds would arrive at **even** `{{H6153}}` and **cover** `{{H3680}}` the **camp** `{{H4264}}` [[Exodus 16:13]]. In one instance, a **wind** `{{H7307}}` from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **brought** `{{H1468}}` the **quails** `{{H7958}}` from the **sea** `{{H3220}}`, letting them fall in and around the camp to a height of two **cubits** `{{H520}}` [[Numbers 11:31]]. The people then **gathered** `{{H622}}` them in immense quantities, with even the person who **gathered least** `{{H4591}}` collecting ten **homers** `{{H2563}}` [[Numbers 11:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the events surrounding the provision of **quails**:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind): This word, also meaning spirit, describes the force from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` that miraculously **brought** `{{H1468}}` the **quails** [[Numbers 11:31]].
* `{{H4264}}` **machăneh** (camp): This refers to the Israelite encampment, the central location where the **quails** arrived and **covered** `{{H3680}}` the area [[Exodus 16:13]].
* `{{H622}}` **ʼâçaph** (to gather): This is the action the **people** `{{H5971}}` took to collect the abundant provision of **quails** that God had sent [[Numbers 11:32]].
* `{{H7646}}` **sâbaʻ** (to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction): This word describes the result of God's gift, as He **satisfied** the people with **quails** [[Psalms 105:40]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{H7958}}` is centered on God's direct interaction with His people.
* **Divine Provision:** The appearance of the **quails** is a clear act of God providing for His people in the wilderness. They are sent in direct response to the people's request for food [[Psalms 105:40]].
* **Miraculous Power:** The event demonstrates God's sovereignty over nature. He commands a **wind** `{{H7307}}` to transport a massive quantity of **quails** `{{H7958}}` from the **sea** `{{H3220}}` and deposit them at the Israelite **camp** `{{H4264}}` [[Numbers 11:31]].
* **God's Abundance:** The provision of **quails** was not merely sufficient but overwhelmingly abundant. They **covered** `{{H3680}}` the camp [[Exodus 16:13]], were piled up two **cubits** `{{H520}}` high, and the least amount anyone **gathered** `{{H622}}` was ten **homers** `{{H2563}}` [[Numbers 11:31-32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7958}}` is far more than a simple reference to a bird. The word **sᵉlâv** is intrinsically linked to the narrative of God's faithfulness to a wandering people. Each appearance of **quails** in the text serves as a powerful and tangible symbol of divine intervention, miraculous provision, and the overwhelming nature of God's response to the cries of His people. It illustrates how God can use the natural world to accomplish His supernatural purposes.
TRV