The Hebrew word râsham, represented by H7559, is a primitive root meaning to record; note. Its appearance is exceptionally rare, occurring only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. This singular usage gives its context in scripture particular weight and importance.
The sole instance of H7559 is found in Daniel 10:21, where a divine messenger speaks to Daniel. The messenger states, "But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth." Here, the word conveys the idea of something being permanently inscribed or recorded in a document of ultimate reality and certainty. The act of being "noted" is not a fleeting observation but a fixed and authoritative entry into a divine record.
The context of Daniel 10:21 links râsham to several key words that illuminate its meaning:
- H3791 kâthâb (scripture): This is the object in which the information is noted. It means something written, a record, or a book, emphasizing the tangible and permanent nature of the revelation (Esther 8:8, 1 Chronicles 28:19).
- H571 ʼemeth (truth): This word describes the quality of the scripture. It signifies stability, certainty, and trustworthiness, establishing the recorded information as completely reliable Exodus 34:6.
- H5046 nâgad (shew): This is the action of revealing what is noted. It means to announce, declare, or explain something, indicating that the recorded truth is being unveiled Micah 6:8.
- H2388 châzaq (holdeth): This term describes the support Michael gives the messenger regarding the contents of the scripture. It means to be strong, to seize, or to help, signifying a powerful alliance related to this recorded truth Joshua 1:9.
- H8269 sar (prince): This is the title given to Michael, who stands with the messenger. The word denotes a head person or ruler, underscoring the high authority involved in these recorded matters Isaiah 9:6.
The theological significance of H7559 is derived entirely from its single, powerful context:
- Divine Inscription: The word points to the existence of a heavenly record, a "scripture of truth," where events and truths are divinely inscribed. What is noted by God is permanent and unchangeable.
- Authoritative Revelation: The use of râsham is tied to a promise of revelation. God does not merely record truth for Himself but also reveals it ("shew thee") to his people through his messengers Daniel 10:21.
- Certainty in Conflict: The revelation of what is noted occurs within a context of spiritual warfare. The truth recorded in the scripture is so significant that it is upheld by a great prince like Michael, who "holdeth with" the angelic messenger.
In summary, while râsham H7559 is one of the rarest words in the biblical lexicon, its meaning is clear and profound. Its single use in Daniel 10:21 establishes it as the act of permanently recording something in a divine document of absolute truth. It underscores the certainty of God's revealed plan and the spiritual authority that stands behind it, proving that a word's importance is defined by its meaning, not its frequency.
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