The Aramaic word chămar, represented by H2562, is the term for wine. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Its use in scripture highlights a stark contrast, appearing both as a provision for sacred worship and as an instrument of profane celebration and sacrilege.
The biblical usage of H2562 is split between two distinct contexts. In the book of Ezra, wine is listed as a necessary supply for the priests in Jerusalem, provided for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven Ezra 6:9. It is specified as part of a royal decree to support the temple, with a provision of "an hundred baths of wine" Ezra 7:22. Conversely, in the book of Daniel, wine is central to Belshazzar's great feast Daniel 5:1. The king commanded that wine be drunk from the sacred temple vessels, an act of defiance that included his lords, wives, and concubines Daniel 5:2. This consumption of wine was directly linked to the praise of false gods of gold, silver, and stone (Daniel 5:4, Daniel 5:23).
Several related words help clarify the context of chămar:
- H8355 shᵉthâh (to imbibe (literally or figuratively); drink): This Aramaic verb is consistently paired with H2562 in the Daniel narrative. It describes the action of Belshazzar and his court as they drank wine from the holy vessels in an act of desecration Daniel 5:4.
- H4887 mᵉshach (oil): This term appears alongside wine in the decrees found in Ezra. Both wine and oil are listed as essential provisions for the priests and the services at the temple in Jerusalem, highlighting their role as sanctioned commodities for worship (Ezra 6:9, Ezra 7:22).
The theological weight of H2562 is demonstrated through its opposing roles.
- Sacred Provision: In Ezra, wine is shown to be a legitimate and required element for the worship of God, supplied for the burnt offerings according to the appointment of the priests Ezra 6:9. It functions as a state-sanctioned supply for maintaining proper religious observance.
- Instrument of Profanity: In Daniel, the act of drinking wine from the temple vessels is a pivotal part of Belshazzar's sin. This use of wine is explicitly tied to idolatry, as they "drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver" Daniel 5:4. It symbolizes a deliberate act of lifting oneself up against the Lord of heaven Daniel 5:23.
In summary, H2562 provides a powerful illustration of how an object's purpose is defined by its use. While the Aramaic term simply means wine, its biblical occurrences sharply contrast its function as a consecrated item for the worship of God in Ezra with its role as a tool for idolatry and sacrilege in the story of Belshazzar. The usage of chămar underscores the critical distinction between the holy and the profane.
TRV