### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H6136 (ʻiqqar) derives from the root עֲקַר (ʻaqar), which signifies "to pluck up," "to root out," or "to hamstring." Consequently, H6136 refers to the "stock" or "stump" of a tree—that part which remains in the ground after the main trunk has been cut down or the tree has been uprooted. Its core meaning thus conveys the idea of a remnant, a foundation, or a preserved base, even after significant removal or destruction has occurred. The term inherently carries the nuance of something that has been severed but still retains a vital connection to its origin, holding the potential for future growth or restoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6136 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, specifically within the account of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree. Its three occurrences are pivotal to understanding the dream's prophetic message:
* **[[Daniel 4:15]]**: "Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth." Here, the cutting down of the magnificent tree symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's impending judgment and dethronement. However, the command to leave the "stump" (ʻiqqar) signifies that his kingdom and his life would not be utterly destroyed but preserved, albeit in a humbled state. The "band of iron and bronze" around the stump further emphasizes this divine decree of containment and preservation.
* **[[Daniel 4:23]]**: "And whereas the king saw a watcher, even a holy one, coming down from heaven, and saying, Cut down the tree, and destroy it; but leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him." This verse reiterates the divine decree, confirming that the preservation of the "stump" is an explicit act of God's sovereign will, setting a limit to Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation and ensuring his eventual restoration.
* **[[Daniel 4:26]]**: "And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; your kingdom shall be sure unto you, after that you shall have known that the heavens do rule." This final occurrence directly links the preserved "stump" to the certainty of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom being restored to him. The condition for this restoration is his acknowledgment of God's supreme sovereignty. The "stump" thus symbolizes the enduring, divinely-protected core of his authority, awaiting the appointed time for its re-emergence.
In all contexts, H6136 functions as a powerful symbol of divine judgment tempered with mercy, signifying a temporary humbling rather than complete annihilation, and holding the promise of future restoration under God's ultimate rule.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embodied by H6136 resonates with several related Hebrew and theological terms:
* **`{{H6010}}` (ʻaqar)**: The verbal root from which H6136 is derived, meaning "to root out" or "to pluck up." This highlights the destructive aspect that precedes the leaving of the stump.
* **`{{H6086}}` (ʻets)**: "Tree" or "wood," referring to the magnificent tree that was cut down, from which the ʻiqqar remains.
* **`{{H8300}}` (sh'ar)**: "Remnant." The stump functions as a specific type of remnant, one that holds the potential for renewed life. This concept is deeply embedded in biblical theology, particularly in prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah's "remnant of Israel").
* **`{{H8328}}` (shoresh)**: "Root." While H6136 is the stump, it is intrinsically linked to the roots that remain in the ground, providing the foundation for potential regrowth.
* **Remnant Theology**: The idea that God, even in judgment, preserves a faithful or chosen "remnant" for His purposes. While H6136 applies to a pagan king, the principle of preservation amidst judgment echoes this broader theological theme (cf. [[Isaiah 6:13]] regarding the "holy seed" as a stump).
* **Divine Sovereignty**: The overarching concept that God is in complete control of all earthly kingdoms and events, demonstrated by His power to humble and restore.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6136 is profound and multi-layered, primarily revealed through its unique usage in Daniel 4:
1. **Divine Judgment and Humility**: The cutting down of the tree represents God's decisive judgment against Nebuchadnezzar's pride and self-exaltation. The leaving of the "stump" signifies that this judgment, though severe, is not unto total destruction but rather unto a period of profound humbling. It teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
2. **Sovereignty and Preservation**: The very act of preserving the ʻiqqar demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and kingdoms. Even in judgment, God retains control, ensuring that His ultimate purposes will prevail. The "stump" serves as a visible sign that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom was not utterly lost but merely held in abeyance by divine decree, awaiting the appointed time for restoration.
3. **Hope of Restoration**: For Nebuchadnezzar, the "stump" was a promise of eventual restoration of his sanity and kingdom, contingent upon his recognition of God's supreme rule. This illustrates God's redemptive nature, offering a path back from judgment through humility and acknowledgment of His authority.
4. **Symbol of Enduring Life**: Metaphorically, a stump, though seemingly lifeless, contains the potential for new growth. This subtle implication within H6136 points to the enduring nature of divine promises and the possibility of renewal even after periods of desolation. While not directly linked to the "stump of Jesse" ([[Isaiah 11:1]]), the imagery resonates with the broader biblical theme of life emerging from apparent death or destruction, a testament to God's power to regenerate and restore.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H6136 (ʻiqqar) precisely denotes a "stump" or "stock," specifically that part of a tree remaining in the ground after being cut down. Its singular yet crucial appearance in Daniel 4 provides a powerful theological metaphor. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the ʻiqqar symbolizes the preservation of his kingdom and life, despite a period of severe divine judgment and humbling. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers, demonstrating that His judgments are often tempered with mercy and a promise of restoration for those who acknowledge His supreme authority. The ʻiqqar thus stands as a testament to God's power to both abase the proud and to raise up the humble, ensuring that His purposes ultimately prevail and that life can emerge even from the remnants of destruction.
TRV