The Aramaic word ʻădâʼ, represented by H5709, carries the meaning to advance, pass on, remove, or alter. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Daniel. Its usage centers on the concepts of change, removal, and the transfer of power and authority.
In the biblical narrative, H5709 is consistently used to describe significant shifts in power and status. It is used to declare God's sovereign authority, stating that He "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" Daniel 2:21. The word also defines the nature of God's eternal kingdom, a dominion "which shall not pass away" Daniel 7:14. In contrast, it describes the downfall of earthly rulers, such as when Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom "is departed" from him Daniel 4:31 or when Belshazzar's glory was "took" from him Daniel 5:20. The term is even used in a legal context to describe the law of the Medes and Persians, which "altereth not" Daniel 6:8.
Several related Aramaic words provide further context to the theme of change and authority:
- H8133 shᵉnâʼ (to alter): This word often appears alongside H5709 to denote a change in state or law. In Daniel 2:21, God "changeth" the times and seasons before He "removeth" kings, showing a comprehensive control over all affairs.
- H6966 qûwm (to rise, set up): This term acts as a direct counterpart to H5709. God's power is shown in His ability to both "removeth" kings and "setteth up" kings, demonstrating the full scope of His authority Daniel 2:21.
- H5182 nᵉchath (to descend, depose): This word is used in parallel with H5709 to describe the fall of a king. When the king was "deposed" from his throne, his glory was "took" away from him, linking the act of removal from a position with the loss of honor Daniel 5:20.
The theological weight of H5709 is focused on the absolute sovereignty of God over human history and power.
- Divine Authority over Kingdoms: The word is primarily used to show that God is the ultimate arbiter of power. He "removeth" kings Daniel 2:21, and it is by his judgment that dominion is "take[n] away" from earthly powers Daniel 7:26.
- The Transience of Human Power: Earthly kingdoms and rulers are subject to being "taken away" Daniel 7:12. The glory of a prideful king can be "took" from him Daniel 5:20, and his kingdom can "departed" in an instant Daniel 4:31.
- The Permanence of God's Rule: The most significant theological point is made when H5709 is used in the negative. The dominion given by the Ancient of Days is one that "shall not pass away" Daniel 7:14, establishing a direct contrast between the fleeting nature of human empires and the eternal, unalterable kingdom of God.
In summary, H5709 is a key term in the book of Daniel for understanding the dynamics of power and authority. While it literally means to pass or remove, its application consistently serves a greater theological purpose: to illustrate that all earthly authority is temporary and subject to God's sovereign will. Through this word, the narrative contrasts the fallible kingdoms of man with the indestructible and everlasting kingdom of God.
TRV