The Aramaic word tsᵉbâʼ, represented by H6634, corresponds to the concept of will or to please. It appears 10 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible, primarily in the book of Daniel. Its meaning revolves around the figurative sense of summoning one's wishes, expressing volition, desire, and the execution of sovereign pleasure.
In biblical usage, H6634 is central to the theme of sovereignty. It is repeatedly used to describe God's absolute authority, as He "doeth according to his will in the army of heaven" Daniel 4:35. The narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling hinges on the lesson that the Most High gives the kingdom of men "to whomsoever he will" (Daniel 4:17, Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32). This concept is also applied to human authority, where a powerful king exercises his will to slay or keep alive his subjects Daniel 5:19. The word can also simply mean "would," expressing a desire, as when Daniel sought to understand a vision Daniel 7:19.
Several related Aramaic words clarify the exercise of this sovereign will:
- H7990 shallîyṭ (mighty; a premier; captain, be lawful, rule(-r)): This word is often used to describe the one who ruleth in the kingdom of men, a dominion that God gives according to His will (Daniel 4:17, Daniel 5:21).
- H4437 malkûw (dominion; kingdom, kingly, realm, reign): The concept of a kingdom is the object of the sovereign will described by H6634, as God appoints rulers over the kingdom of men Daniel 4:25.
- H6966 qûwm ({to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)}; appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up)): This verb describes the action taken as a result of sovereign will, such as when God setteth up over the kingdom whomsoever he will Daniel 4:17.
The theological weight of H6634 is significant and focused.
- Divine Sovereignty: The primary theological contribution of H6634 is to establish the absolute and unchallenged will of God. He acts according to his pleasure, and his authority is supreme over all creation, including the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth Daniel 4:35.
- Authority Over Kingdoms: The word specifically highlights God's control over human governance. The repeated declaration that He gives the kingdom of men to whomever He will serves as a core lesson in the book of Daniel, humbling even the most powerful earthly kings Daniel 5:21.
- Human Volition and Limitation: H6634 also illustrates the power of human will as seen in a king's authority over life and death Daniel 5:19. However, this authority is contextualized as subordinate to God's ultimate plan, showcasing the limits of human volition.
In summary, H6634 is a focused but powerful Aramaic term defining will and pleasure. Its use in the book of Daniel provides a profound theological framework for understanding sovereignty. It demonstrates that while humans possess and exercise their own will, the ultimate authority rests with God, who gives and takes away power according to His own unbreakable and supreme will.
TRV