### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chad**, represented by `{{H2298}}`, serves as a versatile term corresponding to the number **one**. It appears 14 times in 14 unique verses. Its usage is diverse, functioning as a cardinal number for **one**, an article for **a** or **single**, an ordinal for **first**, and an adverb for **at once** or **together**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical Aramaic texts, `{{H2298}}` is used to establish specific timing, quantity, and singularity. It marks the beginning of a king's reign, as seen in "the **first** year of Belshazzar" [[Daniel 7:1]] and "the **first** year of Cyrus the king" [[Ezra 6:3]]. It also quantifies single items of significance, such as when "a **stone** was brought" to seal the lion's den [[Daniel 6:17]] or when Rehum and Shimshai wrote "**a** letter" to King Artaxerxes [[Ezra 4:8]]. In the vision of Nebuchadnezzar's statue, the various materials were "broken to pieces **together**," signifying a unified destruction [[Daniel 2:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H2298}}` to provide specific context:
* `{{H8140}}` **shᵉnâh** (a year): This word is frequently paired with `{{H2298}}` to establish a specific chronological marker, such as "In the **first year** of Cyrus" [[Ezra 5:13]], setting the stage for significant historical and prophetic events.
* `{{H104}}` **ʼiggᵉrâʼ** (letter): The term is used with `{{H2298}}` to denote a singular piece of correspondence, as in "**a** letter against Jerusalem," highlighting a specific official document [[Ezra 4:8]].
* `{{H1358}}` **gôb** (den): This word for a pit appears when "**a** stone" `{{H2298}}` is brought and laid on the mouth of the **den**, emphasizing the single act that sealed Daniel's fate [[Daniel 6:17]].
* `{{H5632}}` **çârêk** (president): `{{H2298}}` is used to denote rank, indicating that Daniel was "**first**" among the three **presidents** appointed by the king [[Daniel 6:2]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2298}}` is seen in its ability to underscore key narrative and prophetic points through the concept of singularity and primacy.
* **Unified Action:** In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the diverse components of the great image—iron, clay, brass, silver, and gold—were destroyed "**together**," showing that the kingdoms of man, despite their differences, would fall at once before God's power [[Daniel 2:35]].
* **Absolute Authority:** The word emphasizes the binding nature of a single declaration, as when the wise men of Babylon faced "**one** decree" [[Daniel 2:9]], showing the unchangeable and singular will of the king.
* **Primacy and Rank:** Its use as "first" highlights moments of inception and positions of authority. It marks the "**first** year" of kings, initiating crucial decrees [[Ezra 6:3]], and establishes Daniel's preeminent status as the "**first**" president [[Daniel 6:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2298}}` is a fundamental Aramaic word that carries more weight than a simple number. It functions to specify, unify, and prioritize within the biblical text. Whether marking the "**first**" year of a king's reign, identifying "**a**" single crucial object like a stone or a letter, or describing the unified destruction of an empire, **chad** provides precision and emphasis in the historical and prophetic narratives of Daniel and Ezra.
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