wēn: “To wean” in English Versions of the Bible is always the translation of (גּמל, gāmal), but gāmal has a much wider force than merely “to wean,” signifying “to deal fully with,” as in [Psa 13:6], etc. Hence, as applied to a child, gāmal covers the whole period of nursing and care until the weaning is complete ([1Ki 11:20]). This period in ancient Israel extended to about 3 years, and when it was finished the child was mature enough to be entrusted to strangers ([1Sa 1:24]). And, as the completion of the period marked the end of the most critical stage of the child’s life, it was celebrated with a feast ([Gen 21:8]), a custom still observed in the Orient. The weaned child, no longer fretting for the breast and satisfied with its mother’s affection, is used in [Psa 131:2] as a figure for Israel’s contentment with God’s care, despite the smallness of earthly possessions. In [Isa 28:9] there is an ironical question, ’Is God to teach you knowledge as if you were children? You should have learned His will long ago!’
