Lexical Summary riqquach: Mixture, compound, ointment Original Word: רַקֻּחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perfume From raqach; a scented substance -- perfume. see HEBREW raqach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raqach Definition perfumery NASB Translation perfumes (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רִקּוּחַ] noun [masculine] perfumery; — plural suffix רִקֻּחָ֑יִךְ Isaiah 57:9 thy perfumeries, unguents. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The solitary appearance of רַקֻּחַ falls within Isaiah 57:9, where the prophet indicts Judah for apostate courtship with foreign powers: “You journeyed to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far away; you debased yourself even to Sheol” (Berean Standard Bible). Here, compounded perfume embodies the nation’s lavish enticements in political-religious adultery, mirroring the larger context of Isaiah 56–57, which contrasts covenant faithfulness with idolatrous compromise. Cultural and Historical Background Ancient Near-Eastern diplomacy often relied on luxury items—especially exotic, skillfully blended aromatics—to secure alliances (cf. 1 Kings 10:10; Ezekiel 27:22). As powdered spices were imported from Arabia, India, and the Horn of Africa, perfumery became a symbol of power and wealth. Isaiah’s generation redirected such resources from temple worship (Exodus 30:22-33) to pagan courtship, revealing a heart posture that favored earthly kings over the covenant King. Symbolic Weight in Isaiah’s Message 1. Perversion of consecration: Sacred anointing oil consecrated priests and furnishings (Exodus 29:7; 40:9). By “multiplying perfumes” for foreign rulers, Judah inverted worship—sanctified fragrance became seductive bait. Intercanonical Echoes • Song of Songs delights in covenant love with imagery of costly perfumes (Song of Songs 1:3, 4:10), contrasting Isaiah’s rebuke by demonstrating fragrance rightly devoted to the beloved. Theological Implications The verse warns against displacing devotion through material allure. Spiritual adultery does not begin with overt idolatry but with subtle redirection of gifted resources, reflecting heart allegiance (Matthew 6:21). God’s jealousy for exclusive worship remains consistent throughout Scripture. Contemporary Ministry Application • Stewardship: Churches and believers must evaluate whether resources intended for kingdom purposes serve worldly prestige or diplomatic appeasement. Pastoral Reflection Invite congregations to pray Psalm 139:23-24, seeking revelation of misplaced affections. Encourage tangible re-consecration of time, talent, and treasure, offering every “fragrance” to Christ alone. Summary רַקֻּחַ, though appearing only once, crystallizes a perennial struggle: will God’s people use their fragrant gifts to honor Him or to curry favor with earthly powers? Isaiah’s oracle pleads for exclusive fidelity—a plea answered ultimately in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, whose once-for-all offering secures a people zealous for true worship. Forms and Transliterations רִקֻּחָ֑יִךְ רקחיך rikkuChayich riq·qu·ḥā·yiḵ riqquḥāyiḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 57:9 HEB: בַּשֶּׁ֔מֶן וַתַּרְבִּ֖י רִקֻּחָ֑יִךְ וַתְּשַׁלְּחִ֤י צִרַ֙יִךְ֙ NAS: And increased your perfumes; You have sent KJV: and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send INT: oil and increased your perfumes have sent your envoys 1 Occurrence |
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