Original Word: בֶּכֶר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: beker
Pronunciation: beh'-ker
Phonetic Spelling: (beh'-ker)
KJV: dromedary
Word Origin: [from H1069 (בָּכַר - firstborn) (in the sense of youth)]

1. a young camel

From bakar (in the sense of youth); a young camel -- dromedary.

see HEBREW bakar

Concept Overview

The term denotes a youthful camel, a beast of burden well suited for long journeys through arid regions. Scripture employs this image once, in Isaiah 60:6, to paint a vivid picture of abundance, international commerce, and worship converging in Zion’s future glory.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the Ancient Near East camels were indispensable for connecting Arabia, Africa, and the Levant. Young camels, prized for their speed and stamina, stocked merchant caravans that ferried incense, spices, precious metals, and textiles along the “Incense Route” from Sheba and Midian northward. Their appearance in prophetic literature evokes both economic prosperity and the far-reaching influence of Israel’s God among the nations.

Biblical Usage

Isaiah 60:6 foretells: “Caravans of camels will cover your land—young camels of Midian and Ephah—all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.”

1. Scope: The animals blanket the land, signifying overwhelming supply.
2. Origin: Midian, Ephah, and Sheba represent desert tribes and distant kingdoms historically linked to trade with Israel (Genesis 25:2-4; Judges 6:1; 1 Kings 10:1-10).
3. Cargo: Gold and frankincense symbolize royal tribute and priestly worship (Exodus 30:34-38; 1 Kings 9:14).
4. Purpose: “Proclaiming the praises of the LORD” places commercial activity under a higher mandate—honoring the God of Zion.

Prophetic and Messianic Significance

Isaiah 60 belongs to a wider restoration oracle (Isaiah 60—62) that anticipates Israel’s final exaltation as the spiritual and geopolitical center of a renewed earth. The “young camels” embody Gentile acknowledgment of the LORD’s supremacy, foreshadowing the Magi who came from the east with “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). Thus the scene prefigures the Messiah’s universal reign, when nations willingly bring their wealth and worship to Him (Revelation 21:24-26).

Theological Themes

• Sovereign Provision: God orchestrates global resources for the benefit of His covenant people (Psalm 24:1).
• Mission of Worship: Economic exchange becomes a vehicle for declaring divine praise (Romans 15:9-12).
• Inclusion of the Nations: Even desert tribes participate in Zion’s restoration, illustrating the breadth of God’s redemptive plan (Ephesians 2:11-13).

Related Scriptures and Illustrations

Genesis 24:10-53—Abraham’s servant loads camels with gifts for Rebekah, portraying covenant blessing delivered by camel caravan.

Genesis 37:25—Ishmaelite traders on camels carry spices and myrrh, paralleling Isaiah’s image of incense.

1 Kings 10:1-10—The Queen of Sheba arrives with a great caravan, including camels bearing spices and gold, a historical anticipation of Isaiah 60.

Isaiah 30:6—Camels haul treasures through a “land of hardship,” contrasting the joyful abundance of Isaiah 60.

Matthew 2:11—The Gentile Magi present gifts named in Isaiah’s prophecy, validating its Messianic dimension.

Practical and Devotional Application

• Stewardship: Believers are encouraged to dedicate material resources—however ordinary—to the service of God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
• Expectation: The prophecy fuels hope in the ultimate restoration when every created thing will honor Christ (Romans 8:18-21).
• Witness: As “young camels” bore treasures toward Zion, Christians carry the treasure of the gospel to the nations (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Summary

Though appearing only once, בֶּכֶר captures a sweeping vision: youthful strength, commercial vitality, and global worship converging in Zion under the reign of the LORD. The image assures God’s people that the wealth of the nations, willingly offered, will one day magnify His glory and advance His redemptive purposes throughout the earth.