### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **salmâh**, represented by `{{H8008}}`, is a term for **a dress; clothes, garment, raiment**. It appears 16 times in 16 unique verses. While it often refers to a basic, everyday article of clothing, its context frequently elevates it to a symbol of divine provision, legal protection, and prophetic significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8008}}` is used in diverse situations. In legal contexts, it is the item of **raiment** that must not be kept overnight as a pledge from a poor neighbor [[Exodus 22:26]], an act which is considered righteousness `{{H6666}}` [[Deuteronomy 24:13]]. The term also appears in a powerful illustration of God's miraculous care, as the Israelites' **clothes** `{{H8008}}` did not wear out `{{H1086}}` during their forty `{{H705}}` years `{{H8141}}` in the wilderness ([[Deuteronomy 29:5]], [[Nehemiah 9:21]]). In a famous prophetic act, the prophet Ahijah `{{H281}}` tore a new `{{H2319}}` **garment** `{{H8008}}` into twelve pieces to symbolize the coming division of Israel's kingdom [[1 Kings 11:30]]. It is also listed among items of wealth and spoil, such as the **raiment** distributed after a military victory [[Joshua 22:8]] or brought as tribute to a king [[1 Kings 10:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the function and state of a **garment** `{{H8008}}`:
* `{{H1086}}` **bâlâh** (to wear out, decay): This word is used to describe what miraculously did not happen to the Israelites' **clothes** `{{H8008}}` in the wilderness, emphasizing God's preservation [[Deuteronomy 29:5]]. It is also used by the Gibeonites to falsely claim their **garments** `{{H8008}}` have `become old` `{{H1086}}` from a long journey [[Joshua 9:13]].
* `{{H2254}}` **châbal** (to take a pledge): This action is directly linked to **raiment** `{{H8008}}` in the law that forbids keeping a poor man's essential clothing overnight [[Exodus 22:26]].
* `{{H2319}}` **châdâsh** (new): This describes the state of the **garment** `{{H8008}}` that Ahijah the prophet `{{H5030}}` wore and then tore as a sign from God [[1 Kings 11:29]].
* `{{H7167}}` **qâraʻ** (to rend, to tear): This is the action performed by Ahijah on his new **garment** `{{H8008}}` to create twelve `{{H8147}}` `pieces` `{{H7168}}`, signifying a dramatic and decisive separation [[1 Kings 11:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8008}}` is revealed through its various uses:
* **Divine Provision:** The promise that the Israelites' **clothes** `{{H8008}}` would not wear out `{{H1086}}` in the wilderness is a testament to God's complete and faithful provision for His people when they were entirely dependent on Him ([[Deuteronomy 29:5]], [[Nehemiah 9:21]]).
* **Social Justice:** Laws concerning a neighbor's **raiment** `{{H8008}}` highlight God's care for the vulnerable. A garment was essential for survival, and the command to return it at sunset ensured a person's dignity and well-being, reflecting divine righteousness `{{H6666}}` [[Deuteronomy 24:13]].
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** A simple **garment** `{{H8008}}` becomes a powerful tool for prophecy. Ahijah's act of tearing his clothing was not a random display of emotion but a deliberate, visual sermon from God about the future of the nation of Israel [[1 Kings 11:30]].
* **Metaphor for Divine Majesty:** In Psalms, the concept of a **garment** `{{H8008}}` is used to describe the splendor of God, who `coverest` `{{H5844}}` Himself with `light` `{{H216}}` as with a garment [[Psalms 104:2]], elevating this common item to a metaphor for divine glory.
### Summary
In summary, **salmâh** `{{H8008}}` is far more than a simple word for clothing. It serves as a tangible object through which profound spiritual truths are conveyed. It represents God's sustaining power in the wilderness, His demand for justice and compassion for the poor, a medium for communicating prophetic judgment, and a metaphor for the unapproachable light and majesty of God Himself.
TRV