Lexical Summary halik: Walk, journey, path Original Word: הָלִיךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance step From halak; a walk, i.e. (by implication) a step -- step. see HEBREW halak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom halak Definition a step NASB Translation steps (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [הָלִיךְ] noun [masculine] step, only plural suffix בִּרְחֹץ הֲלִיכַי בְּחֵמָה Job 29:6 when my steps were bathed in cream (חֵמָה = חֶמְאָה) heperb. of abundance wealth. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The noun הָלִיךְ (halík) appears a single time in the Hebrew Scriptures, recorded in Job 29:6. In that passage Job recalls his former prosperity: “when my steps were bathed in cream and the rock poured out for me streams of oil” (Job 29:6). The word rendered “steps” captures both the literal motion of Job’s life and the figurative course of blessing that once characterized his daily walk. Immediate Context in Job Job 29 forms part of Job’s final defense, a reflective monologue anticipating his closing appeal in Job 31. By recounting the days “when the Almighty was still with me” (Job 29:5), Job contrasts past favor with present affliction. The picture of feet drenched in cream and rocks streaming oil draws on idyllic agrarian imagery: abundant dairy from livestock and oil from the rocky hillsides of olive-growing regions (Deuteronomy 32:13-14). For Job, halík communicates more than locomotion; it evokes each purposeful step under God’s evident favor. Symbolism of Walking in Scripture Although halík itself is rare, its root idea of walking permeates Scripture as a metaphor for: 1. Moral Conduct 2. Covenant Fellowship 3. Pilgrimage and Progress Within this broader biblical tapestry, Job’s single use of halík resonates with a well-known theological motif: a person’s “walk” reflects one’s relationship with the Lord. Theological Themes in Job 29:6 1. Remembrance of Grace Job’s recollection affirms that seasons of blessing originate in God’s providence, not mere human effort (James 1:17). 2. Transience of Earthly Prosperity Job’s change in circumstances anticipates New Testament teaching that believers “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). 3. Integrity amid Suffering Even as Job laments, he continues to direct his walk toward God, foreshadowing the steadfastness urged in James 5:11. Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Near Eastern thought, milk and oil were chief symbols of prosperity. Stepping in cream suggests overflowing dairy production, while oil flowing from rock depicts extraordinary yield from marginal terrain. Archaeological studies of Iron Age Judea confirm terraced hillsides for olive cultivation, aligning with Job’s agrarian metaphor. Integration with Wider Canon The imagery of feet and oil intersects later biblical revelation: • Priestly anointing involved oil on the right big toe, signifying a consecrated walk (Leviticus 8:23-24). Thus Job’s halík anticipates the redemptive trajectory from Old Testament blessing to New Testament fulfillment in Christ. Ministry Application 1. Personal Reflection Encourages believers to recall seasons of divine goodness, fostering gratitude and trust during trials (Lamentations 3:21-24). 2. Pastoral Counseling Job’s testimony provides a framework for helping sufferers articulate loss while anchoring hope in God’s unchanging character. 3. Discipleship Halík underscores the daily, step-by-step nature of faith. Small, consistent obediences form a lifetime walk that honors God (Micah 6:8). 4. Worship and Liturgy The imagery of paths drenched in abundance inspires songs and prayers celebrating God’s provision (Psalm 65:11). Christological Perspective The ultimate righteous Walk is embodied in Jesus Christ, who “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) and perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will. Through His atoning work, He invites all to follow Him (John 8:12), promising, “whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness.” Conclusion Though הָלִיךְ appears only once, its contribution is significant. Job’s solitary usage enriches the biblical portrait of walking with God—an image that spans creation, covenant, Christ, and the Church. For every believer, each step can be “bathed” in the grace that flows from the Rock who is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Forms and Transliterations הֲלִיכַ֣י הליכי hă·lî·ḵay haliChai hălîḵayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 29:6 HEB: בִּרְחֹ֣ץ הֲלִיכַ֣י בְּחֵמָ֑ה וְצ֥וּר NAS: When my steps were bathed in butter, KJV: When I washed my steps with butter, INT: were bathed my steps butter and the rock 1 Occurrence |
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