The Aramaic word nᵉthar, represented by H5426, means to shake off. It is derived from a root meaning to jump or be violently agitated. This rare term appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, highlighting a specific and forceful action within its single context.
The sole use of H5426 is found in Daniel 4:14, within the description of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. A heavenly being cries out a command for the destruction of a great, symbolic tree. The command is a sequence of powerful actions: "Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit." This act of shaking off the leaves is part of a larger dismantling, causing the beasts and birds that took shelter in the tree to flee.
The word is surrounded by other Aramaic terms that collectively describe this sudden and complete judgment:
- H7123 qᵉrâʼ (call, cry, read): This is the initiating verb for the entire command. The action begins with a divine "cry" Daniel 4:14.
- H1414 gᵉdad (hew down): This word describes the fundamental action of felling the tree, seen in the command to "Hew down the tree" Daniel 4:14.
- H7113 qᵉtsats (cut off): Used to describe the dismembering of the tree's limbs, as in "cut off his branches" Daniel 4:14.
- H921 bᵉdar (scatter): This term describes the ultimate dispersal of the tree's production, commanded as "scatter his fruit" Daniel 4:14.
The theological significance of H5426 is entirely tied to its context of divine judgment against human pride.
- Violent Judgment: To "shake off" is not a gentle or natural process but a forceful, deliberate act. It illustrates the violent agitation and upheaval that comes with God's judgment on a kingdom.
- Removal of Protection: The tree's leaves, which are shaken off, represent the glory, provision, and shelter that the kingdom provided. This action strips away its covering and security, forcing those who depended on it to "get away" Daniel 4:14.
- Sovereign Authority: The command is given by a celestial being, demonstrating that earthly power, no matter how great, is subject to being shaken and dismantled by heavenly authority.
In summary, H5426 provides a vivid and specific picture of divine intervention. Though used only once, nᵉthar captures the essence of a sudden, violent removal of power and glory. It functions as part of a divine decree of judgment, illustrating how quickly a kingdom's protective and provisional aspects can be shaken apart by a sovereign God.
TRV