Lexical Summary pak: Flask, vial, bottle Original Word: פַּךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance box, vial From pakah; a flask (from which a liquid may flow) -- box, vial. see HEBREW pakah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a vial, flask NASB Translation flask (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַּךְ noun masculine2Kings 9:1 vial, flask; — construct הַשֶּׁמֶן ׳פ, for anointing, 1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Kings 9:1,3.Topical Lexicon Overview פַּךְ describes a small flask or vial used to contain sacred oil. Though the noun appears only three times, its contexts—each involving the public anointing of a king—grant it outsized theological and historical weight. In every instance the vessel is wielded by a prophet (or his delegate) to confer royal authority at Yahweh’s command. Occurrences • 1 Samuel 10:1 — “Then Samuel took the flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, ‘Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?’” Historical Setting In the Ancient Near East, anointing signified consecration, especially for priestly or royal service. Israel’s prophets acted as covenant prosecutors and mediators of divine authority; when they anointed with oil they were visibly declaring that authority’s bestowal. The flask (often earthenware) was the common container for such oil, readily portable and easily broken—an object whose very fragility accentuated that the power resided not in the vessel but in the God who sent it. Symbolic Themes 1. Divine Election and Empowerment Each anointing marks a turning point orchestrated by the Spirit of the Lord. Immediately after Saul’s anointing “the Spirit of God will rush upon you” (1 Samuel 10:6). Jehu likewise receives a commission inseparable from the Spirit’s power, evidenced by his zeal in fulfilling prophetic judgment. 2. Judgment and Mercy Intertwined The flask is borne both in promise (Saul’s elevation) and in judgment (Jehu’s mandate to end Ahab’s house). Thus the same vessel becomes a signpost of Yahweh’s sovereign freedom—raising one, casting down another, yet always fulfilling covenant purposes. 3. Earthly Vessel, Heavenly Authority A fragile פַּךְ holding holy oil foreshadows the Pauline motif of “treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The juxtaposition magnifies God’s glory by mediating it through commonplace means. Contrast with the Horn of Oil Samuel later anoints David with “a horn of oil” (1 Samuel 16:1,13). Ancient horns, cut from living animals, symbolized strength and endurance; flasks, by contrast, were man-made and breakable. The contrast has prompted generations of commentators to see a deliberate distinction between the provisional nature of Saul’s reign and the enduring covenant granted to David. Jehu’s flask, associated with judgment, further underscores the transience of dynasties that rebel against the covenant. Prophetic Function and Procedure In every occurrence the prophet acts swiftly and secretly: Covenantal and Eschatological Threads The scant appearances of פַּךְ nonetheless trace a line to the ultimate “Anointed One,” Jesus Christ. Kings who were anointed from a flask foreshadow both the adequacy and inadequacy of human rulers. Saul’s failure and Jehu’s partial obedience create a longing for a perfect King whose anointing by the Spirit (Luke 4:18) will never be revoked. Ministry Implications • God Uses Ordinary Means — Whether an earthen flask or a willing servant, divine purpose often comes packaged in humility. This invites believers to regard everyday resources and obedience as suitable conduits for God’s work. • Anointing Accompanies Commission — The church’s laying on of hands and prayer for Spirit-empowered service stands in continuity with Old Testament anointings. The flask scenes remind ministers that authority must arise from God’s call, not human ambition. • Urgency of Obedience — The young prophet’s command to “open the door and flee” portrays the seriousness with which God’s word must be delivered, free from personal agendas or delay. Related Terms and Concepts Horn of Oil (קֶרֶן שֶׁמֶן), Anoint (משׁח), Holy Anointing Oil (שֶׁמֶן מִשְׁחַת־קֹדֶשׁ), Spirit of the Lord (רוּחַ יְהוָה), King (מֶלֶךְ) Summary פַּךְ may be a humble flask, yet Scripture assigns it a critical role at watershed moments in Israel’s monarchy. Containing oil that signifies the Spirit’s empowerment and covenantal authority, it bridges prophetic proclamation and royal commission, judgment and mercy, human frailty and divine sovereignty—all threads ultimately woven together in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the everlasting Anointed King. Forms and Transliterations פַּ֣ךְ פַּ֥ךְ פַךְ־ פך פך־ fach pach paḵ p̄aḵ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 10:1 HEB: שְׁמוּאֵ֜ל אֶת־ פַּ֥ךְ הַשֶּׁ֛מֶן וַיִּצֹ֥ק NAS: took the flask of oil, KJV: took a vial of oil, INT: took Samuel the flask of oil poured 2 Kings 9:1 2 Kings 9:3 3 Occurrences |
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