### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **hêykal**, represented by `{{H1965}}`, is defined as **a large public building, such as a palace or temple**. It appears **13 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used distinctly to refer to two significant structures: the royal **palace** of a king and the sacred **temple** dedicated to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1965}}` is used to denote both centers of power and worship. It refers to the Babylonian king's royal residence, as when Nebuchadnezzar was "flourishing in my **palace**" [[Daniel 4:4]] or when writing appeared on the wall of the king's **palace** during Belshazzar's feast [[Daniel 5:5]]. Concurrently, it identifies the **temple** in Jerusalem, from which Nebuchadnezzar had taken sacred vessels [[Daniel 5:2]]. The story of these vessels being taken from the **temple** in Jerusalem and later returned by order of King Cyrus highlights the word's dual context of royal and divine settings ([[Ezra 5:14]], [[Ezra 6:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the meaning and context of `{{H1965}}`:
* `{{H1005}}` **bayith** (house): This term is often used in conjunction with `{{H1965}}`, particularly to form the phrase "the **house** of God," emphasizing the temple's function. The command to rebuild specifies that the **house** of God be built in its place, with vessels returned to the **temple** [[Ezra 5:15]].
* `{{H3984}}` **mâʼn** (vessel): The sacred **vessels** are central to the narrative involving the temple. Belshazzar's profane use of the golden **vessels** taken from the **temple** in Jerusalem is a pivotal event that demonstrates the sanctity of the items belonging to God's house ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:3]]).
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God, god): This word establishes the divine ownership of the temple. The structure is referred to as the "house of **God**" [[Ezra 6:5]], and the conflict revolves around honoring the true **God** versus the idolatrous acts of kings who desecrate His holy place.
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H1965}}` is significant, highlighting the tension between divine authority and earthly power.
* **Sanctity vs. Desecration:** The **temple** is a place of holiness. When Belshazzar uses its sacred vessels for a pagan feast, the act of desecration prompts immediate divine judgment within his own **palace**, underscoring the severe consequences of profaning what is dedicated to God [[Daniel 5:2-5]].
* **Royal Hubris and Divine Sovereignty:** The king's **palace** is portrayed as a place of human pride and authority. Nebuchadnezzar boasts from his **palace** just before being humbled by God [[Daniel 4:29]]. Later, King Darius retires to his **palace** after being forced to subject Daniel to the lions' den, a test orchestrated by God's will [[Daniel 6:18]].
* **Restoration of Worship:** The term is central to the theme of restoration after exile. The decree to return the vessels to the **temple** in Jerusalem and to rebuild the "house of God" signifies God's power to move the hearts of earthly kings and restore proper worship for His people ([[Ezra 5:14-15]], [[Ezra 6:5]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1965}}` is a term that defines the two primary seats of power in its biblical context: the royal **palace** and the holy **temple**. It serves as a narrative anchor in the books of Daniel and Ezra, framing the critical confrontations between the kings of Babylon and the God of Israel. Through its dual usage, the word illustrates the ultimate sovereignty of God over the grandest structures of human authority and the profound importance of maintaining the sanctity of places dedicated to worship.
TRV