Lexical Summary ar: City, Town Original Word: עָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enemy (Aramaic) corresponding to ar -- enemy. see HEBREW ar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to ar Definition foe NASB Translation adversaries (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָר M77*] noun masculine foe (compare Jewish Aramaic עֲרָר objection: on dubious Biblical Hebrew עָר); — plural suffix עריך Kt (K§ 53 Anm. b)), עָרָךְ Qr Daniel 4:16. Topical Lexicon Canonical SettingThe term עָר appears once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 4:19, within the Aramaic section of the Book of Daniel (Daniel 2–7). Daniel 4 records King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree, its fearful interpretation, and the ensuing judgment that humbles the monarch until he acknowledges “that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). Immediate Literary Function In verse 19 Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, prefaces his interpretation with compassion: “My lord, may the dream apply to those who hate you and its interpretation to your enemies!” (Daniel 4:19). The noun עָר (“enemies,” “adversaries”) underscores the contrast between Nebuchadnezzar’s foes—who would delight in his downfall—and Daniel’s own genuine concern for the king. This single use intensifies the pastoral tone of Daniel’s response and highlights the prophet’s integrity in speaking truth to power even while wishing the king well. Historical and Political Backdrop Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon was a superpower surrounded by potential rivals in Media, Persia, and among smaller vassal states. Royal dreams were believed to portend cosmic and political upheavals. Addressing the king’s “enemies” assures him that Daniel is not conspiring against him, a significant gesture in a court where suspicion could cost lives (compare Daniel 2:12–13). Theological Emphasis 1. Divine Sovereignty: The entire chapter pivots on God’s right to elevate and abase kings. The mention of “enemies” frames God’s judgment as disciplinary rather than vengeful; the king’s true antagonist is not Israel but his own pride (Daniel 4:30–31). Intertextual Echoes Though עָר itself is unique to Daniel 4:19, Scripture repeatedly contrasts the righteous with “enemies” who oppose God’s purposes. Psalms often petition for deliverance from such foes (Psalm 18:17; Psalm 27:11–12). Daniel’s posture mirrors Christ’s later exhortation to love enemies (Matthew 5:44), revealing a consistent biblical ethic that combines truth, mercy, and confident trust in divine vindication. Pastoral and Devotional Applications • Integrity in Ministry: Daniel models how believers can deliver hard truths respectfully, even to ungodly authorities. Homiletical Touchpoints • Title: “When Judgment Falls on the Tree—Enemies and the Heart of a Prophet.” Summary Insight The lone appearance of עָר accents a moment when divine revelation, royal pride, and prophetic compassion converge. Daniel’s invocation of the king’s “enemies” clarifies his loyalty, magnifies God’s sovereignty over every earthly ruler, and invites readers to emulate a witness that unites courage with charity. Forms and Transliterations לְעָרָֽךְ לערך lə‘ārāḵ lə·‘ā·rāḵ leaRachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:19 HEB: [לְעָרַיִךְ כ] (לְעָרָֽךְ ק) NAS: you and its interpretation to your adversaries! KJV: thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. INT: hate interpretation enemy 1 Occurrence |
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