### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʻălal**, represented by `{{H5954}}`, primarily means **to enter**. Used causatively, it means to **introduce** or **bring in**. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses, playing a specific role in the narratives of the book of Daniel. Its meaning corresponds to the sense of thrusting oneself in.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5954}}` is frequently used to describe the act of entering into a specific, often significant, location. The word carries both a sense of personal movement and of being brought into a place by another's authority. For example, Daniel **went in** to his house to pray, a personal act of devotion [[Daniel 6:10]]. Conversely, the word is used when kings command others to be brought into their presence, as when Arioch **brought in** Daniel before the king [[Daniel 2:25]], or when King Belshazzar cried aloud to **bring** in the astrologers and soothsayers [[Daniel 5:7]]. It also describes the queen, who **came** into the banquet house on her own accord [[Daniel 5:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the concept of movement and existence in the context where `{{H5954}}` is found:
* `{{H1934}}` **hâvâʼ**: This verb for "to exist" or **be** is often used to describe a state or ongoing action. For instance, Daniel prayed as he **did** `{{H1934}}` aforetime, an action that took place after he **went** `{{H5954}}` into his house [[Daniel 6:10]].
* `{{H236}}` **ʼăzal**: Meaning to depart or **go**, this word can be used in sequence with `{{H5954}}`. After the king **went** `{{H236}}` to his palace, no instruments of music were **brought** `{{H5954}}` before him, linking the king's departure with a subsequent action [[Daniel 6:18]].
* `{{H858}}` **ʼâthâh**: This word for "to arrive" or **bring** is used for the act of bringing people or objects. It appears when the king’s father **brought** `{{H858}}` Daniel from Jewry, and later Daniel himself was **brought in** `{{H5954}}` before the king [[Daniel 5:13]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H5954}}` is significant, particularly in royal court settings. It often functions as a trigger for pivotal events.
* **Access to Power:** The act of being "brought in" before a king is a recurring motif. The magicians, astrologers, and wise men are repeatedly **brought in** to interpret dreams or writings, highlighting access to the seat of earthly authority ([[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:15]]).
* **Initiating Revelation:** The use of `{{H5954}}` often precedes a moment of divine confrontation. When the king’s wise men are **brought in** and fail, it sets the stage for Daniel to be **brought in** `{{H5954}}` to reveal God’s message [[Daniel 2:25]].
* **Personal Faithfulness:** The word also frames acts of private piety. Daniel **went in** `{{H5954}}` to his house to pray, showing that "entering" is not only about answering a royal summons but also about initiating personal communion with God [[Daniel 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5954}}` is a crucial action word in the Aramaic portions of Scripture. While its definition of "to enter" or "bring in" is straightforward, its application is key to the narrative flow. It marks the critical moments when characters are brought before kings, setting the stage for divine revelation that contrasts with human wisdom. Furthermore, its use in describing personal devotion illustrates that the act of entering a space can be as much about private faithfulness as it is about public duty.
TRV