The Aramaic word çᵉliq, represented by H5559, is a primitive root meaning to ascend; come (up). It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses, primarily describing the emergence of figures, entities, or even thoughts.
In biblical usage, H5559 appears in both prophetic visions and historical narratives. Within the book of Daniel, it is used to describe the emergence of symbolic powers, such as the "four great beasts" that came up from the sea Daniel 7:3 and the "little horn" that came up among the others (Daniel 7:8, Daniel 7:20). It is also used metaphorically to describe the king's thoughts that came into his mind Daniel 2:29. In Ezra, the word takes on a more literal meaning, referring to the Jews who came up to Jerusalem to rebuild the city Ezra 4:12.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the action of ascending or arriving:
- H1124 bᵉnâʼ (to build): This word is often paired with the arrival of people. After the Jews came up H5559 to Jerusalem, they began building the city Ezra 4:12.
- H858 ʼâthâh (to arrive; (be-) come, bring): This term frequently appears alongside çᵉliq to describe a complete journey. In Ezra 4:12, the Jews came up H5559 from the king and have come H858 to Jerusalem.
- H3635 kᵉlal (to complete; finish, make (set) up): This indicates the conclusion of an action initiated by movement. In the same passage, after coming up, the people have set up the city walls Ezra 4:12.
The thematic weight of H5559 is centered on the concept of emergence and its consequences.
- Prophetic Revelation: In Daniel, the word is used to signal the rise of significant powers in prophetic visions. The beasts that came up from the sea Daniel 7:3 and the horn that came up Daniel 7:8 represent the emergence of kingdoms and rulers that shape history.
- Mental Conception: The word extends from the physical to the mental realm. In Daniel 2:29, the king's thoughts came into his mind, illustrating that ideas and revelations can "ascend" into consciousness just as physical entities rise into view.
- Historical Movement: In Ezra, the act of coming up is tied to the historical movement of God's people returning to their land. This ascent to Jerusalem is a foundational step in the rebuilding of the city and its walls Ezra 4:12.
In summary, H5559 çᵉliq provides a dynamic description for the act of ascending or coming up. Though used only five times, it carries significant weight in its contexts. It is used to depict the literal migration of people returning to Jerusalem Ezra 4:12, the symbolic emergence of powerful beasts and horns in apocalyptic visions (Daniel 7:3, Daniel 7:8), and the internal dawning of thoughts in the mind Daniel 2:29. The word captures moments of beginning, whether it is the start of a building project or the rise of a new historical force.
TRV