The Hebrew word shillûwach, represented by H7964, describes a form of dismissal or presents. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The word's applications range from the sending away of a wife, sometimes translated as divorce, to a dower or gift given in a significant transaction.
In its biblical contexts, H7964 signifies a definitive act of giving or sending. It is used to describe Moses having sent her back H7964, referring to his wife, Zipporah Exodus 18:2. The term also functions as a valuable gift or dowry; Pharaoh captured the city of Gezer and gave it as a present H7964 to his daughter, Solomon's wife 1 Kings 9:16. In a prophetic declaration, Micah uses the word when commanding that Israel shall give presents H7964 to Moreshethgath Micah 1:14.
Several related words help clarify the actions associated with H7964:
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This primitive root, meaning to give, is used directly with H7964 in the accounts of Pharaoh having given H5414 Gezer as a present H7964 1 Kings 9:16 and the instruction to give H5414 presents H7964 Micah 1:14.
- H3947 lâqach (to take): Meaning to take, this word appears when Jethro took H3947 Zipporah after Moses had sent her back H7964, showing the sequence of dismissal and reception Exodus 18:2.
- H3920 lâkad (to capture or occupy): This verb sets up the context for the gift in 1 Kings 9:16, where Pharaoh had first taken H3920 Gezer before he gave it as a present H7964, linking a gift to an act of conquest.
The significance of H7964 is tied to its role in formal, consequential acts.
- Marital Dismissal: The term is used to signify a formal separation within a family, as when Moses had sent her back H7964, referring to his wife Exodus 18:2, highlighting the concept of a definitive dismissal.
- Dowry and Alliance: H7964 carries the weight of a significant transactional gift, specifically a dower. Pharaoh's giving of Gezer as a present H7964 served to establish a political and familial alliance with Solomon 1 Kings 9:16.
- Prophetic Sending: In a prophetic context, the giving of presents H7964 is symbolic. The instruction in Micah 1:14 to give H5414 presents H7964 is part of a divine oracle, signifying a final, consequential act of sending away or tribute.
In summary, H7964 is a specific term for a dismissal or present that, despite its infrequent use, marks pivotal moments in the biblical narrative. It defines actions ranging from the personal sending away of a wife Exodus 18:2 to the political bestowal of a dower to seal an alliance 1 Kings 9:16. Whether as a gift, a dower, or a form of dismissal, shillûwach consistently points to a formal and consequential act of sending or giving.
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