The Hebrew word tamrûwr, represented by H8564, refers to a high heap. It is derived from a root suggesting an erection or pillar, likely intended as a guide-board. This specific term appears only 1 times in 1 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its specialized use.
The sole appearance of H8564 is in Jeremiah 31:21, a command directed to the "virgin H1330 of Israel H3478". The verse instructs: "Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps". Here, tamrûwr is paired with "waymarks" H6725 as a means of marking a path for return. The purpose is made clear as the people are told to "set thine heart H3820 toward the highway H4546, even the way H1870 which thou wentest H1980". The high heaps serve as prominent, visible guides for Israel's journey back to their cities.
Several related words in this context illuminate the meaning of establishing guides for a journey of return:
- H6725 tsîyûwn (waymark): Defined as a "monumental or guiding pillar; sign, title, waymark," this word is used in direct parallel with H8564 in the command to create visible markers for the path home Jeremiah 31:21.
- H1870 derek (way): This term signifies "a road" or, figuratively, "a course of life or mode of action." In Jeremiah 31:21, it is the path that Israel formerly "wentest" on and must now remember in order to return. It represents the route that the high heaps are meant to identify.
- H7725 shûwb (turn again): This primitive root means "to turn back" or "to return." It is the ultimate command and purpose for setting up the high heaps. The call to "turn again H7725, O virgin of Israel, turn again H7725" emphasizes that the markers facilitate a deliberate return Jeremiah 31:21.
The theological weight of H8564 is concentrated in its single, poignant usage, representing God's call to his people.
- Guidance for Restoration: The high heaps are physical symbols of hope and direction. They are part of a divine instruction for the "virgin of Israel" H1330 to prepare for their restoration and return to their "cities" H5892, a theme of mercy and rebuilding (Jeremiah 31:21, Jeremiah 30:18).
- Active Participation in Return: The command is an active one: "Set thee up... make thee" Jeremiah 31:21. This shows that returning to God and one's heritage requires intentional effort. The people must set their "heart" H3820 on the task, actively creating reminders of the path they must follow.
- The Call to Turn Back: The markers serve the ultimate goal of "shûwb" H7725, or turning back. This concept is central to the biblical theme of repentance, which involves forsaking a wicked "way" H1870 and returning to the LORD Isaiah 55:7. The physical act of following the high heaps back home mirrors the spiritual act of turning one's heart back to God.
In summary, H8564 tamrûwr is a highly specific term for a "high heap" used as a guidepost. Its singular use in scripture in Jeremiah 31:21 imbues it with a focused meaning: it is an object created as part of an active, intentional effort to mark the path of return and restoration. Though rare, the word powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of creating clear markers to guide God's people on their journey back to Him and the places He has promised them.
TRV