Lexical Summary semikah: Laying on of hands, ordination Original Word: שְׂמִיכָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mantle From camak; a run (as sustaining the Oriental sitter) -- mantle. see HEBREW camak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps rug, thick coverlet NASB Translation rug (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׂמִיכָה noun feminine rug or thick coverlet (?); — absolute Judges 4:18 (see GFM). שׂמל (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Meaning and Symbolism of the Covering The word denotes a blanket, rug, or piece of fabric placed over someone for warmth, concealment, or protection. Although humble in form, the concept of a covering in Scripture frequently points beyond mere fabric to ideas of safety, rest, and the gracious shelter God provides to His people. Biblical Occurrence Judges 4:18 records its single use: “Jael went out to meet Sisera and said, ‘Come in, my lord; do not be afraid.’ So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.” (Berean Standard Bible) Hospitality in Ancient Israel Offering a covering was an accepted gesture of hospitality. In a nomadic or village setting the host assumed responsibility for the guest’s well-being. By placing a blanket over Sisera, Jael outwardly fulfilled the cultural expectation to safeguard a weary traveler. The action parallels Abraham’s welcome of the three visitors (Genesis 18) and the widow’s provision for Elijah (1 Kings 17), underlining the biblical theme that receiving a stranger is a righteous duty. Moral Irony in the Judges Narrative Jael’s hospitality mask conceals a divinely ordained judgment. The blanket that promises security becomes the prelude to Sisera’s death, illustrating Judges’ recurring pattern of unexpected deliverance. Human coverings can give only temporary shelter; lasting refuge rests in obedience to God’s purposes (Psalm 91:1). Covering as a Metaphor for Divine Protection Scripture often employs the imagery of covering to describe the Lord’s guardianship: By contrast, Sisera seeks refuge apart from God and is left exposed, reinforcing the warning that no human blanket can substitute for divine protection. Typological Glimpses of Redemption 1. Substitutionary Covering: Just as God clothed Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), so Christ provides the garment of salvation (Isaiah 61:10), covering the shame of sin. New Testament Echoes While the Hebrew term itself does not reappear, the spiritual idea resurfaces: The physical blanket in Judges becomes a pointer to the atoning covering accomplished by Jesus Christ. Practical Ministry Applications • Hospitality: Believers are urged to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). A simple blanket given in Christlike love can become a testimony of the gospel. Key References Judges 4:18; Psalm 91:4; Ezekiel 16:8; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 1 Peter 4:8 Forms and Transliterations בַּשְּׂמִיכָֽה׃ בשמיכה׃ baś·śə·mî·ḵāh bassemiChah baśśəmîḵāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 4:18 HEB: הָאֹ֔הֱלָה וַתְּכַסֵּ֖הוּ בַּשְּׂמִיכָֽה׃ NAS: and she covered him with a rug. KJV: she covered him with a mantle. INT: the tent covered A rug 1 Occurrence |
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enclose, envelope; 
cloak, Lane1600 DozyVetements, 59 f., 232 f.).