The Aramaic word nûwr, represented by H5135, is defined as fire or fiery. It comes from a root meaning to shine. According to usage statistics, it appears 17 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel.
In the biblical narrative, H5135 is used in two primary contexts. The most frequent use is in Daniel 3, where it repeatedly describes the "burning fiery furnace" H861 constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar as a tool of execution Daniel 3:6. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are cast into the "midst of the fire" Daniel 3:25, but God delivers them, proving the fire had no power over them Daniel 3:27. The second context is in Daniel 7, where fire is a descriptor of divine majesty. The throne of the Ancient of Days is a "fiery flame" and his wheels are "burning fire" Daniel 7:9, and a "fiery stream" issues from His presence Daniel 7:10.
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of fire and heat:
- H1815 dᵉlaq (to flame; burn): This word is used alongside H5135 to describe the wheels of God's throne as "burning fire" Daniel 7:9, emphasizing a state of active flaming.
- H228 ʼăzâʼ (to kindle; heat, hot): This term relates to the intensity of the heat. Nebuchadnezzar commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more Daniel 3:19, and it was made "exceeding hot" Daniel 3:22.
- H3345 yᵉqad (to burn; burning): Frequently paired with H5135, this word describes the state of the furnace as "burning" Daniel 3:20, indicating it is actively consuming fuel.
- H7631 sᵉbîyb (flame): This specifies the visible tongues of fire. The "flame of the fire" from the furnace was so intense it slew the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:22.
- H861 ʼattûwn (furnace): This is the physical structure that contains the fire. It is consistently mentioned as the "furnace" into which those who disobeyed the king were cast Daniel 3:6.
The theological weight of H5135 is significant, contrasting human judgment with divine power.
- Earthly Persecution: The fire of Nebuchadnezzar's furnace represents the pinnacle of earthly, tyrannical power used to enforce idolatry and punish faithfulness to God Daniel 3:15.
- Divine Majesty and Judgment: In Daniel's vision, fire is an element of God's holy presence. His throne is a "fiery flame" Daniel 7:9 and a "fiery stream" proceeds from him, symbolizing his awesome power and role as judge Daniel 7:10.
- Miraculous Deliverance: The story of the furnace demonstrates that God's authority supersedes any earthly threat. The three men walk unharmed in the "midst of the fire" Daniel 3:25, showing that the very element of judgment becomes a stage for God's salvation.
In summary, H5135 as fire serves as a powerful symbol in the book of Daniel. It functions both as a literal, destructive force wielded by a human king and as a metaphorical element surrounding the throne of God. Through its usage, the narrative starkly contrasts the limits of human-inflicted punishment with the boundless, protective, and judicial power of God.
TRV