lonely

The word bo•ded is a biblical and modern noun and adjective that is based on the biblical root B.D.D. meaning lonely, alone, isolated, and desolate.

When the reference is to people or animals it normally carries a sad connotation because both are meant to live in social settings.

‘I watch; I am like a lonely bird on the roof top.’

But when it comes to Israel, we witness a paradox. When Israel is mentioned in the Bible in this context, being among other (ungodly) nations is what makes it lonely:

‘Israel is swallowed up; now shall they be among the nations like a useless vessel. For they have gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself; Ephraim has hired lovers.’

Israel is perceived in a favorable light as a lonely dweller throughout the Bible. Even to the extent of being an aloof, conceited favorite nation. This isolationism was considered by historians to be a factor in the new rise of antisemitism in Europe in the early 19th century. In reality, there was nothing conceited in their tendency to wrap around other Jews in day-to-day life in Europe. By the nature of the Jewish faith, it is difficult to mix up socially among other nations. The dietary laws prevent a Jew to participate in non-Jewish celebrations that involve feasts and eating together. The Sabbath observance narrowed down socializing even further. The result was viewing Jews as aloof and conceited whereas they could not break their traditional laws their forefathers followed for generations just to be considered socially acceptable. This is what made Jews lonely by their faith. Many were wandering about the price Jews had to pay and are still paying for being the chosen people. They are also chosen to receive the burden of laws no others were required to.

When Balaam was hired to curse Israel he relates to its detachment from the other nations but ends up blessing it instead of cursing:

‘How shall I curse, he whom God has not cursed? or how shall I defy, he whom the Lord has not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him; lo, the people shall live alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!’