The Aramaic word bᵉʻêl, represented by H1169, functions as a term for a master, but in its biblical context, it is part of the phrase for chancellor. The base definition is {a master; hence, a husband,}; [phrase] chancellor. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible.
All occurrences of H1169 are found in the book of Ezra and refer to the official title of a man named Rehum H7348. Alongside Shimshai H8124 the scribe H5613, Rehum the chancellor wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem Ezra 4:8. This letter lists Rehum the chancellor as the primary author among a group of officials and their companions Ezra 4:9. The king's formal reply is then addressed directly back to Rehum the chancellor and his associates Ezra 4:17.
Several related words help define the administrative context of this title:
- H2942 ṭᵉʻêm: This Aramaic word for "judgment" or "decree" is used in conjunction with H1169 to form the title chancellor. All three instances of H1169 are paired with this word Ezra 4:8. It can also mean a royal "decree" on its own Ezra 6:3.
- H5613 çâphêr: Meaning a "scribe," this title identifies Shimshai, the official who worked alongside Rehum the chancellor. They are mentioned together in every verse where H1169 appears, highlighting their collaborative roles in the administration Ezra 4:8.
- H3675 kᵉnâth: This word for a "colleague" or "companion" is used to describe the group of officials associated with the chancellor and the scribe (Ezra 4:9, Ezra 4:17).
The significance of H1169 is purely administrative and political, not theological. It highlights several aspects of provincial governance.
- Official Authority: The title chancellor signifies a high-ranking official with direct access to the king H4430. Rehum uses this position to write a letter of opposition to King Artaxerxes Ezra 4:8.
- Administrative Action: The use of H1169 is exclusively in the context of official correspondence aimed at stopping the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The king's response is sent directly back to Rehum the chancellor, affirming his role in the matter Ezra 4:17.
- Hierarchical Collaboration: The chancellor does not act alone. He is consistently named with Shimshai the "scribe" H5613 and their "companions" H3675, illustrating the collaborative nature of provincial governance under Persian rule Ezra 4:9.
In summary, H1169 bᵉʻêl is a specific Aramaic term used in Scripture to denote the political title of chancellor. Its usage is confined to Ezra chapter 4, where it identifies Rehum as a key official opposing the Jews' efforts in Jerusalem. The word is not used in a theological sense, but rather provides a clear example of an administrative role within the Persian empire, highlighting the structured opposition faced by the Israelites during the post-exilic period.
TRV