The Aramaic word zᵉmâr, represented by H2170, denotes instrumental music or musick. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used exclusively in the book of Daniel to refer to the collective sound of a full orchestra assembled for a specific state-mandated ceremony.
In the biblical narrative, H2170 is used in a single, highly significant context: King Nebuchadnezzar's command to worship a golden image. The term appears at the end of a list of specific instruments, such as the cornet, flute, harp, and sackbut. The sound of "all kinds of musick" served as the official, unmissable signal for all people to fall down and worship the idol (Daniel 3:5, Daniel 3:7). The repetition of this command highlights the music's role as a tool of absolute royal authority and enforced idolatry (Daniel 3:10, Daniel 3:15).
Several related Aramaic words clarify the function and context of the musick:
- H7162 qeren (horn, cornet): This word, meaning "a horn (literally or for sound)," is one of the specific instruments whose sound contributed to the overall musick that signaled the time for worship Daniel 3:10.
- H7032 qâl (sound, voice): This term for sound is used to describe what the people were commanded to listen for. The moment they heard the sound of the orchestra, they were to act Daniel 3:7.
- H8086 shᵉmaʻ (hear, obey): This verb, meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.)," is central to the decree. The command was triggered by the act of hearing the musick, linking the auditory signal directly to the required act of obedience Daniel 3:15.
- H5457 çᵉgid (worship): This word for worship, meaning "to prostrate oneself (in homage)," describes the ultimate purpose of the musick. The entire orchestral performance was designed to compel this single act of false worship Daniel 3:5.
The theological weight of H2170 is derived entirely from its role in the conflict between worldly authority and divine faithfulness.
- A Signal for Idolatry: The musick is the state-sanctioned trigger for a compulsory act of idolatry. Its sound is inextricably linked to the command to worship the golden image, making it an instrument of rebellion against God Daniel 3:5.
- The Test of Allegiance: The command initiated by the musick forces a choice and serves as a test of faith. For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refusing to bow when the music played was a declaration of their exclusive loyalty to God Daniel 3:15.
- Coercive Worldly Power: The use of a grand orchestra ("all kinds of musick") symbolizes the pomp and coercive power of Nebuchadnezzar's empire, which uses sensory and ceremonial force to demand universal submission Daniel 3:7.
In summary, H2170 is far more than a simple term for music. Within its specific biblical context, it functions as a symbol of state-enforced idolatry. It is the auditory cue for a test of faith, representing the immense pressure of a pagan king's command. The response to this musick ultimately serves to distinguish between those who bend to worldly power and those whose faithfulness to God is absolute.
TRV