Lexical Summary raashoth: Beginnings, first things, chief things Original Word: רַאֲשׁת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bolster From ro'sh; a pillow (being for the head) -- bolster. see HEBREW ro'sh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as marashah, q.v. Topical Lexicon Definition and Occurrence רַאֲשׁת appears once in the Old Testament, in 1 Samuel 26:12. The noun denotes the immediate area “at the head,” a spot where a sleeper’s personal items—here Saul’s spear and water jug—were placed. The term therefore highlights both physical proximity and personal vulnerability. Narrative Context (1 Samuel 26) The single occurrence falls within David’s nighttime incursion into Saul’s camp. Saul, who has been hunting David, lies asleep “with his spear stuck in the ground at his head” (1 Samuel 26:7). David and Abishai reach the king undetected, and David removes the spear and jug “by Saul’s head”. רַאֲשׁת frames the scene twice (verses 11-12), drawing the reader’s eye to the precarious location: the very place that should be safest for a king becomes the arena where his life is spared by the one he seeks to kill. Spiritual and Symbolic Significance 1. Headship and Authority. In Scripture the head often symbolizes leadership (Psalm 18:43; Ephesians 1:22). By standing “at the head” and taking the royal spear, David demonstrates that God can remove or transfer authority without violence. Theological Themes • Providence: God protects His chosen even in an enemy camp (Psalm 34:7). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near-Eastern warriors commonly planted a spear near the head while sleeping, both for defense and as a badge of status. A personal water jug was likewise a practical necessity in arid terrain. By seizing items so intimate and indispensable, David proves his access while preserving Saul’s life—a powerful cultural statement of honor and loyalty. Ministry and Devotional Applications • Trust God’s Timing. Opportunities to force God’s promises (as Abishai urged, 1 Samuel 26:8) must yield to patient faith. Conclusion Though רַאֲשׁת surfaces only once, its strategic placement magnifies a moment where divine sovereignty, human restraint, and the ethics of leadership converge. The word’s focus on the king’s vulnerable “head-space” crystallizes the larger biblical message: God alone establishes, preserves, and—when His purposes require—removes earthly authority. Forms and Transliterations מֵרַאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י מראשתי mê·ra·’ă·šō·ṯê mêra’ăšōṯê meraashoTeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 26:12 HEB: צַפַּ֤חַת הַמַּ֙יִם֙ מֵרַאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י שָׁא֔וּל וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ KJV: from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, INT: and the jug of water bolster from Saul's went 1 Occurrence |
    |