The Aramaic word bᵉnâʼ, represented by H1124, means to build or make. It appears 22 times in 19 verses, with its usage concentrated in the books of Ezra and Daniel. The term corresponds to the Hebrew word bânâh and primarily describes the physical construction of significant structures like cities and the House of God.
In the biblical narrative, H1124 is central to the account of Israel's return from exile. Its most frequent application is to the rebuilding of the House of God in Jerusalem. This act is a point of major contention, with officials repeatedly asking, "Who hath commanded you to build this house?" (Ezra 5:3, Ezra 5:9). The work is initiated by a royal decree from King Cyrus Ezra 5:13 but faces opposition that temporarily halts the project, with a command that the city "be not builded" Ezra 4:21. The word is also used by King Nebuchadnezzar, who boasts of the "great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom" Daniel 4:30, contrasting human pride with the divinely-mandated work in Jerusalem.
Several related Aramaic words provide context to the act of building:
- H1005 bayith (a house): This word is almost always the object of the verb bᵉnâʼ in Ezra. The entire conflict revolves around the command to build this house of God Ezra 5:13.
- H787 ʼôsh (a foundation): The act of building begins with laying the foundations. A decree from Cyrus commands that the foundations of the house be "strongly laid" Ezra 6:3.
- H3635 kᵉlal (to complete; finish): This word signifies the successful conclusion of a building project. The elders of the Jews not only builded but also finished the house of God Ezra 6:14.
- H989 bᵉṭêl (to stop; cease, hinder): This is the direct counteraction to building. Enemies of the Jews made the work to cease by force Ezra 4:23, and a later decree ensures expenses are paid so that the builders are not hindered Ezra 6:8.
- H2942 ṭᵉʻêm (decree, commandment): Building projects in this context are authorized or forbidden by a royal decree. King Cyrus made a decree to build the house of God Ezra 6:3.
The significance of H1124 is tied directly to the theme of national and spiritual restoration.
- Divine and Royal Authority: The authority to build is a central theme. The work proceeds only through decrees from earthly kings like Cyrus and Darius, which are shown to be aligned with the "commandment of the God of Israel" Ezra 6:14.
- Restoration of Worship: To build the house of God is to re-establish the center of Israel's worship after the exile. It is the place for offering sacrifices, and its construction is aided by God's prophets (Ezra 5:2, Ezra 6:3).
- Perseverance Amidst Opposition: The narrative of building is one of struggle. The Jews are accused of building a "rebellious and the bad city" Ezra 4:12, but they persevere through the opposition until the work prospers and is completed Ezra 6:14.
In summary, H1124 is more than a term for construction. It is a keyword in the post-exilic story of Israel's return. It encapsulates the physical and spiritual struggle to rebuild a nation's identity, centered on the House of God in Jerusalem. The use of the word highlights the interplay between divine will, human action, and the authority of kings, serving as a focal point for the narrative of conflict, perseverance, and ultimate restoration.
TRV