The Hebrew word shalmôn, represented by H8021, means a bribe or reward. It appears only 1 time in a single verse in scripture, making its specific context highly significant. The term is derived from a root suggesting payment, but in its sole usage, it carries a negative connotation of corrupt gain.
The single appearance of H8021 is in Isaiah 1:23, within a severe indictment of Judah's leaders. The prophet declares, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards." The pursuit of these rewards is directly contrasted with their failure to provide justice, as "they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them" Isaiah 1:23. This places the word squarely in a context of social injustice and leadership failure, where personal enrichment comes at the expense of the vulnerable.
Several related words in the same passage illuminate the meaning of shalmôn:
- H7810 shachad (bribe, gift): Used in parallel with shalmôn, this word refers to a donation or gift, often with a venal purpose. In Isaiah 1:23, the leaders are described as loving these gifts, reinforcing the theme of corruption.
- H5637 çârar (rebellious, stubborn): This term describes the character of the princes who seek rewards. It means to turn away or be morally refractory, showing that their greed is a symptom of a deeper rebellion against divine standards Isaiah 1:23.
- H7291 râdaph (follow after, pursue): This word denotes the active, and often hostile, chase for these rewards. The leaders are not passive recipients but are actively pursuing dishonest gain Isaiah 1:23.
- H8199 shâphaṭ (to judge, govern): The pursuit of rewards is explicitly linked to the failure to judge the fatherless. This highlights the core duty that is being abandoned in the chase for personal profit Isaiah 1:23.
The theological weight of H8021 is concentrated in its singular, powerful usage. It illustrates several critical principles:
- Corruption of Authority: The word is aimed directly at the "princes," showing how the pursuit of illicit rewards perverts the God-given responsibility of leadership Isaiah 1:23.
- Injustice as a Consequence of Greed: The desire for rewards is not a private vice but has public consequences, leading directly to the neglect and oppression of the fatherless and the widow.
- Rebellion Against Divine Law: Seeking such rewards is portrayed as an act of being rebellious H5637. This is a moral failure that goes against God's commands to care for the vulnerable and execute justice Isaiah 1:17.
In summary, H8021 shalmôn, while extremely rare, serves as a potent term for a corrupt reward or bribe. Its sole appearance in Isaiah 1:23 frames it as a symbol of systemic injustice, where leaders abandon their sacred duty to govern righteously. The word is a stark reminder that the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of justice is an act of rebellion that harms the most defenseless in society.
TRV