Lexical Summary etsadah: Anklet, bracelet Original Word: אֶצְעָדָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bracelet, chain A variation from ts'adah; properly, a step- chain; by analogy, a bracelet -- bracelet, chain. see HEBREW ts'adah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tseadah Definition an armlet NASB Translation armlets (1), bracelet (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶצְעָדָה noun feminine id.; — absolute ׳א Numbers 31:50 (+ צָמִיד bracelet); אֲשֶׁר עַלזְֿרֹעוֺ 2 Samuel 1:10 (read הַצְּעָדָה We Dr Bu HPS, compare 2 Kings 11:12 above). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Description אֶצְעָדָה denotes an ornamental band worn on the wrist or upper arm, frequently fashioned of gold and worked with fine craftsmanship. While many words for jewelry appear in Scripture, this particular term is reserved for the armlet or bracelet that signified wealth, status, and, at times, royal authority. Biblical Occurrences Numbers 31:50 records Israelite soldiers returning from victory over Midian: “We have brought an offering to the LORD, what each man found: articles of gold — armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces — to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD”. Here the אֶצְעָדָה forms part of a voluntary heave offering given in gratitude and for atonement. In 2 Samuel 1:10 the Amalekite relates how he removed Saul’s royal insignia: “I took the crown that was on his head and the band on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord”. The bracelet is paired with the crown, underscoring its association with royalty and the transfer of kingship. Cultural Background Armlets were common across the Ancient Near East. Archaeological finds in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan reveal elaborate gold cuffs adorned with filigree, semi-precious stones, or engraved motifs of deities and animals. Possession of such an item testified to economic power, and its presentation conveyed homage or submission. Among nomadic tribes—such as Midianites and Ishmaelites—bracelets made from spoil often served as portable wealth. Symbolic and Theological Significance 1. Consecrated Wealth: In Numbers 31 the armlets become part of a purification offering. Valuable personal ornaments are surrendered to acknowledge that victory and riches are ultimately from the LORD (cf. Deuteronomy 8:18). Related Passages Although employing different Hebrew terms, passages such as Genesis 24:22, Exodus 35:22, Judges 8:24-26, and Ezekiel 16:11 refer to bracelets, reinforcing themes of covenant gift, idolatrous misuse, and adornment bestowed or removed by God. Together they show that ornaments can honor the LORD or become snare and vanity, depending on the heart. Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Stewardship: The soldiers teach that believers should freely yield costly possessions for the Lord’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). Summary אֶצְעָדָה appears only twice, yet its contexts—atonement offering and royal insignia—capture two central biblical realities: costly surrender to God and the rightful reign of His chosen king. Whether adorning an arm in gratitude or symbolizing a throne relinquished, the bracelet directs the reader to the One “worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom” (Revelation 5:12). Forms and Transliterations אֶצְעָדָ֣ה אצעדה וְאֶצְעָדָה֙ ואצעדה ’eṣ‘āḏāh ’eṣ·‘ā·ḏāh etzaDah veetzaDah wə’eṣ‘āḏāh wə·’eṣ·‘ā·ḏāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 31:50 HEB: כְלִֽי־ זָהָב֙ אֶצְעָדָ֣ה וְצָמִ֔יד טַבַּ֖עַת NAS: of gold, armlets and bracelets, KJV: of gold, chains, and bracelets, INT: articles of gold armlets and bracelets signet 2 Samuel 1:10 2 Occurrences |
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