The Aramaic word râz, represented by H7328, defines a mystery or secret. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term refers to a hidden matter, particularly one that is inaccessible to human wisdom and requires divine power to be understood or uncovered.
In the biblical narrative, H7328 is found exclusively in the book of Daniel and is central to the account of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. When the king's wise men are unable to reveal his dream, Daniel states that the secret cannot be shown by them Daniel 2:27. Instead, he explains that "there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets" Daniel 2:28. The term is used for the secret itself, which was revealed to Daniel in a night vision, prompting him to bless the God of heaven Daniel 2:19. Ultimately, the king acknowledges that Daniel's God is a "revealer of secrets" after Daniel successfully recounts and interprets the dream Daniel 2:47.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of a divinely held secret:
- H1541 gᵉlâh (reveal): This word is the action counterpart to H7328. A secret is something that must be revealed, and God is identified as the one who performs this act Daniel 2:28.
- H426 ʼĕlâhh (God): God is presented as the sole source with the ability to unveil a secret. The narrative repeatedly contrasts the inability of men with the power of God to reveal the mystery Daniel 2:47.
- H3046 yᵉdaʻ (to know): The purpose of revealing a secret is to make known information that was previously hidden, such as the thoughts of the king's heart or what will happen in the future Daniel 2:30.
- H2376 chêzêv (a vision): The medium through which the secret is revealed to Daniel is a night vision, linking the hidden knowledge to a supernatural means of communication Daniel 2:19.
- H6591 pᵉshar (an interpretation): The secret in question is not just the content of a dream, but also its interpretation, which Daniel is able to provide only after the secret is revealed to him Daniel 4:9.
The theological weight of H7328 is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's nature.
- Divine Sovereignty over Knowledge: The use of secret underscores that certain knowledge belongs to God alone and is beyond the reach of human intellect or divination Daniel 2:27.
- God as Revealer: The primary theological point is that God is a "revealer of secrets" Daniel 2:47. He does not withhold knowledge arbitrarily but discloses it for His purposes, demonstrating His power and authority over all things, including the future Daniel 2:29.
- Revelation for a Purpose: God's revelation of a secret is not a random act. In Daniel, it serves to save lives, make His name known to a pagan king, and provide the king with an understanding of "the thoughts of thy heart" (Daniel 2:18, 2:30).
In summary, H7328 is more than a simple word for a secret. It signifies a divine mystery that stands in stark contrast to the limits of human wisdom. Its use in the book of Daniel powerfully illustrates that understanding the hidden things of God is not a matter of human effort but a gift of divine revelation, underscoring God's omniscience and His role as the one who makes known what is to come.
TRV