The Aramaic word ṭᵉrad, represented by H2957, means to expel or drive. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. The word is used to describe a forceful and complete removal from a place of status and community.
In the biblical narrative, H2957 is consistently used to describe the divine judgment enacted upon King Nebuchadnezzar. The prophecy against him states twice, "they shall drive thee from men" (Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32). This prophecy is later fulfilled when "he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen" Daniel 4:33. The event is recounted again in Daniel 5:21, emphasizing that "he was driven from the sons of men" until he acknowledged the sovereignty of the most high God.
Several related words clarify the context of this expulsion:
- H606 ʼĕnâsh (a man): This word defines the community from which Nebuchadnezzar was driven, highlighting his removal from human society Daniel 4:25.
- H2423 chêyvâʼ (an animal; beast): This term describes the new companions Nebuchadnezzar was forced to live with, as his dwelling was "with the beasts of the field" Daniel 4:32.
- H6167 ʻărâd (an onager; wild ass): This specifies the type of animal Nebuchadnezzar dwelled with, underscoring the wild and untamed nature of his new existence Daniel 5:21.
The theological weight of H2957 is centered on the theme of divine sovereignty over human pride.
- Divine Judgment: The act of being "driven" is presented as a direct judgment from heaven. This state of expulsion continues until Nebuchadnezzar learns "that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:25, Daniel 5:21).
- Humiliation and Reversal: The word signifies a complete reversal of status, from a powerful king among men to an outcast living with beasts. Nebuchadnezzar is driven from men H606 and his heart is made like the beasts H2423 Daniel 5:21.
- Sovereign Appointment: The purpose of being driven out is remedial. It serves to teach the lesson that God "appointeth H6966 over it whomsoever he will" Daniel 5:21, contrasting the king's temporary expulsion with God's permanent authority to establish rulers.
In summary, H2957 is a potent verb used exclusively to detail the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar. It encapsulates more than a simple act of removal; it represents a divine judgment that strips a king of his humanity to teach him about the ultimate authority of God. The word powerfully illustrates that God can drive out the proudest of rulers and restore them only when they acknowledge His sovereignty.
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