The Aramaic word ʼochŏrêyn, represented by H318, is a specific term for last or at last. It is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its sole use serves to mark a pivotal moment of culmination and finality in the book of Daniel.
The single occurrence of H318 is found in Daniel 4:8, where King Nebuchadnezzar recounts the events surrounding his troubling dream. He states, "But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods." This temporal marker highlights that after the king's other wise men had failed to provide an interpretation, Daniel was brought in as the final and ultimate recourse.
The context of this word is illuminated by several other Aramaic terms in the passage:
- H1841 Dânîyêʼl (Daniel): The prophet who arrives "at the last." He is presented as the one with a unique capacity for understanding Daniel 4:8.
- H1096 Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar (Belteshazzar): The Babylonian name given to Daniel, which Nebuchadnezzar uses to identify him, tying him to the court while also acknowledging the "spirit of the holy gods" within him Daniel 4:8.
- H2493 chêlem (dream): This is the central problem that necessitates Daniel's appearance. The king had told the dream to his other magicians, but they were unable to interpret it Daniel 4:7.
- H560 ʼămar (tell): This word for speaking is used when the king finally told the dream to Daniel, the one who arrived "at the last" Daniel 4:8.
The theological weight of H318 is derived entirely from its strategic placement in the narrative.
- Divine Timing: The use of "at the last" emphasizes God's timing. Human wisdom is shown to be insufficient, and only when all other options are exhausted does God's chosen servant step forward to reveal the truth Daniel 4:8.
- Ultimate Authority: By arriving last, Daniel is positioned as the final authority. His interpretation is not merely one among many but the definitive one, given because the "spirit of the holy gods" is in him Daniel 4:8.
- Narrative Climax: The term creates a moment of dramatic tension and resolution. The suspense of the unresolved dream is brought to a head by the final arrival of the one person who can provide an answer.
In summary, H318 is far more than a simple chronological marker. Though used only once, ʼochŏrêyn carries significant narrative power. It defines the moment where human counsel gives way to divine revelation, underscoring a central theme in the book of Daniel: the supreme wisdom and sovereignty of God, as demonstrated through his servant who appears "at the last" to declare His truth.
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