The Aramaic word ʻiddân, represented by H5732, refers to a set time or, technically, a year. It appears 13 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to denote specific, appointed periods rather than a general sense of time, often carrying significant prophetic or judicial weight.
In its biblical context, H5732 is primarily used in the book of Daniel to frame periods of divine action and human history. God is described as the one who "changeth the times" Daniel 2:21, establishing his sovereignty over world events. The word marks specific durations of judgment, such as the "seven times" appointed to pass over Nebuchadnezzar until he acknowledged God's rule (Daniel 4:16, 4:25, 4:32). It also functions as a unit in prophetic timelines, notably in the phrase "a time and times and the dividing of time," which delineates a period of tribulation Daniel 7:25. Elsewhere, it refers to a specific moment for action, such as when Nebuchadnezzar commands worship at a particular time (Daniel 3:5, 3:15).
Several related words clarify the meaning and application of H5732:
- H2166 zᵉmân (an appointed occasion): This word for season or time is often used in parallel with ʻiddân. For example, God "changeth the times H5732 and the seasons H2166" Daniel 2:21, and the lives of the beasts were prolonged for a season and a time Daniel 7:12.
- H8133 shᵉnâʼ (to alter): This verb is frequently used to describe the action of changing an ʻiddân. God is the one who changeth the times Daniel 2:21, while an opposing figure will think to change times and laws Daniel 7:25.
- H2499 chălaph (to pass on (of time)): This word describes the progression of an ʻiddân. It is used repeatedly in the account of Nebuchadnezzar, where it is decreed that "seven times H5732 shall pass over" him (Daniel 4:16, 4:23).
The theological weight of H5732 is centered on God's sovereign control over history and prophecy.
- Divine Sovereignty: The word underscores that God is the ultimate authority over history, who "changeth the times and the seasons" and removes and sets up kings according to His will Daniel 2:21.
- Appointed Judgment: ʻiddân is used to measure out specific periods of divine judgment. The "seven times" that pass over Nebuchadnezzar serve as a defined duration for humbling a prideful king, demonstrating that God sets the limits on human rebellion (Daniel 4:25, 4:32).
- Prophetic Measurement: The term is a key component in prophetic timelines. The expression "a time and times and the dividing of time" establishes a specific, measured period during which the saints of the Most High will endure hardship before God's ultimate kingdom is established Daniel 7:25.
In summary, H5732 ʻiddân is a crucial term for understanding divinely appointed periods in the book of Daniel. It moves beyond the general concept of time to signify specific durations, prophetic years, and decisive moments that are under God's absolute control. Whether measuring a king's judgment or a prophetic era, ʻiddân reveals that history unfolds according to a divine timetable.
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