Lexical Summary chamar: To boil up, ferment, foam Original Word: חֲמַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wine (Aramaic) corresponding to chemer; wine -- wine. see HEBREW chemer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to chemer Definition wine NASB Translation wine (6). Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Contextual Overview חֲמַר (ḥămar) is the Aramaic term for “wine” that appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel. Its six occurrences cluster in two sharply contrasting settings: the rebuilding of the Second Temple (Ezra 6:9; 7:22) and the sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-4, 23). In both contexts the word denotes ordinary fermented grape wine, yet its usage reveals profound theological lessons on worship, stewardship, and divine judgment. Occurrences and Narrative Function 1. Ezra 6:9 – Darius’ decree orders Persian treasury officials to supply “wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil” for daily temple sacrifices in Jerusalem. Wine here is a legitimate element of prescribed worship, underscoring royal support for covenant faithfulness. Historical Background In Persian administration, generous allocations of sacrificial materials—including wine—were common to placate local deities and maintain political stability. Ezra’s lists mirror contemporary imperial policy yet also testify to the Lord’s sovereign orchestration of foreign rulers to re-establish true worship. Conversely, Belshazzar’s banquet took place on the eve of Babylon’s fall (539 BC). Archaeology confirms lavish Babylonian feasts, and cuneiform sources portray royal drunkenness. Daniel frames this cultural norm as the backdrop for God’s decisive intervention. Theological Themes Sanctity of Worship: In Ezra, wine is set apart for offerings (cf. Exodus 29:40). Provision from a pagan empire illustrates that all resources ultimately belong to God and must be directed toward His glory. Profanation and Judgment: Belshazzar treats consecrated vessels—and by extension Yahweh Himself—as common. The same wine that signifies covenant blessing becomes the vehicle of his condemnation when misused. The impending handwriting on the wall (“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN”) shows that sacrilege invites swift accountability. Divine Sovereignty over Kings: Both Persian and Babylonian monarchs handle “ḥămar,” yet only one recognizes its rightful liturgical purpose. The contrast magnifies God’s rule over empires (cf. Proverbs 21:1). Ministry Significance • Stewardship of Gifts: Resources given for worship must not be diverted for self-indulgence. Church leaders today can apply Ezra’s model of transparent, purposeful allocation. Christological Foreshadowing The legitimate sacrificial wine in Ezra anticipates the “better sacrifice” (Hebrews 9:23-26). Belshazzar’s desecration, punished the very night it occurred, previews the final reckoning awaiting all who reject the Son. Thus ḥămar points both to grace offered and wrath withheld only through the Mediator. Teaching and Preaching Outlines 1. Provision, Purity, and Praise (Ezra 6–7) 2. The Cup of Pride (Daniel 5) 3. From Temple Wine to Communion Cup Practical Reflections • Examine motives in the use of church resources: are they dedicated to the Lord or to personal preference? Conclusion חֲמַר serves as more than a culinary detail; it is a narrative thread weaving together true and false worship, blessing and curse, humility and hubris. Whether poured on the altar in Jerusalem or lifted in Babylonian halls, wine reveals the heart’s posture toward the Holy One—and still calls believers to sober devotion today. Forms and Transliterations חֲמַ֣ר חֲמַר֙ חַמְרָ֑א חַמְרָ֗א חַמְרָ֥א חַמְרָא֮ חמר חמרא chaMar chamRa ḥă·mar ḥam·rā ḥămar ḥamrāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:9 HEB: חִנְטִ֞ין מְלַ֣ח ׀ חֲמַ֣ר וּמְשַׁ֗ח כְּמֵאמַ֨ר NAS: salt, wine and anointing oil, KJV: salt, wine, and oil, INT: and wheat salt wine and anointing request Ezra 7:22 Daniel 5:1 Daniel 5:2 Daniel 5:4 Daniel 5:23 6 Occurrences |
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