### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ṭal**, represented by `{{H2920}}`, is the word for **dew**. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition describes it as dew that covers vegetation, highlighting its presence as a natural element of the environment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2920}}` is used exclusively within the book of Daniel to describe the divine judgment placed upon King Nebuchadnezzar. As part of his humbling, he was driven from human society to live like a beast, and his body was "wet with the **dew** of heaven" [[Daniel 4:33]]. This condition is first foretold in a dream, where the stump of a great tree is to be left in the field and "wet with the **dew** of heaven" ([[Daniel 4:15]], [[Daniel 4:23]]). The phrase is also used when recounting this judgment, emphasizing that Nebuchadnezzar endured this exposure until he acknowledged God's supreme authority ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and function of **dew**:
* `{{H1883}}` **detheʼ** (tender grass): This word describes the vegetation upon which the **dew** settles. It appears in the prophetic dream, specifying that the humbling would take place in the **tender grass** of the field, where the dew would be ([[Daniel 4:15]], [[Daniel 4:23]]).
* `{{H6647}}` **tsᵉbaʻ** (wet): This verb is directly paired with **ṭal** in all its occurrences, describing the action of being made **wet** by the dew as a central part of the judgment ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
* `{{H8065}}` **shâmayin** (heaven): This word identifies the origin of the **dew**. In every instance, **ṭal** is described as "the dew of **heaven**," emphasizing its source is from above and part of a divine decree [[Daniel 4:33]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic significance of `{{H2920}}` is concentrated within the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling:
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The **dew** is not a gentle blessing but an element of a divine sentence. Nebuchadnezzar's constant exposure to the "dew of heaven" is a key component of his humiliation, intended to teach him that the Most High rules over human kingdoms [[Daniel 4:25]].
* **Symbol of a Humbled State:** Being continually wet with **dew** signifies a total loss of royal comfort and a reduction to a primitive, beast-like existence, exposed to the open field with the animals ([[Daniel 4:33]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
* **Link to Heavenly Authority:** The consistent phrase "dew of **heaven**" underscores that this condition is decreed from above. It is an act of the God of heaven upon a proud earthly king, demonstrating His control over both nature and human destiny [[Daniel 4:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2920}}` **ṭal** is a specific Aramaic term for **dew** used exclusively in the book of Daniel. It functions as a tangible symbol of God's judgment on human pride, vividly illustrating King Nebuchadnezzar's fall from power and his forced exposure to the elements. Rather than representing refreshment, in this context, the "dew of heaven" marks a period of profound humbling until divine authority is recognized.
TRV