### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma רְשַׁם (rᵉsham - `{{H7560}}`) signifies the act of "to record," "to write," or "to sign." Its base definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew רָשַׁם (rasham - `{{H7559}}`), which carries similar meanings of inscribing, marking, or writing down. The core semantic range of רְשַׁם thus revolves around the creation of a permanent or official written record. This includes the physical act of writing, the administrative act of recording information, and the legal act of signing a document to validate or authorize it. The implication is often one of finality, authority, and unchangeability once something has been רְשַׁםed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
רְשַׁם (rᵉsham - `{{H7560}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently pertains to official or legal documentation:
* In Ezra, the term describes the writing of official correspondence. For instance, in [[Ezra 4:8]], [[Ezra 4:9]], and [[Ezra 4:10]], it refers to the act of writing a letter of accusation against the Jews to King Artaxerxes. This highlights the administrative and communicative function of writing in ancient Near Eastern governance. The king's acknowledgement of the "written" letter in [[Ezra 4:18]] further emphasizes the validity and importance of such records. In [[Ezra 6:2]], it describes a decree that was "written" and found in the archives, underscoring the practice of official record-keeping.
* In Daniel, the word takes on a crucial legal significance, specifically in the context of King Darius's decree concerning prayer. In [[Daniel 6:8]], the satraps urge Darius to "establish the injunction and sign the document," making it unchangeable according to the law of the Medes and Persians. [[Daniel 6:9]] explicitly states that King Darius "signed the document and the injunction." Daniel's knowledge that the document was "signed" ([[Daniel 6:10]]) sets the stage for his principled disobedience. The repeated emphasis on the king having "signed" the injunction in [[Daniel 6:12]] and [[Daniel 6:13]] underscores the binding and irrevocable nature of the decree once it had been officially ratified by the king's mark or signature.
Across its occurrences, רְשַׁם consistently denotes the formal act of creating a written record or document, often with legal or administrative authority and permanence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew counterpart, רָשַׁם (rasham - `{{H7559}}`), which shares the core meaning of writing, inscribing, or marking. Other Aramaic and Hebrew terms that relate to the concept of writing, documents, and decrees include:
* כְּתַב (kᵉtav - `{{H3790}}`): An Aramaic verb and noun meaning "to write," "a writing," or "a decree." Frequently used in Ezra and Daniel for official documents.
* סֵפֶר (sepher - `{{H5612}}`): A Hebrew noun meaning "scroll," "book," or "document," referring to the physical medium of writing.
* אִגְּרָה (iggerah - `{{H107}}`): An Aramaic noun for "letter" or "missive," often the content that is רְשַׁםed.
* דָּת (dat - `{{H1881}}`): An Aramaic noun meaning "law" or "decree," which is often the subject of being רְשַׁםed or written down.
The concepts associated with רְשַׁם include legal authority, permanence, official communication, record-keeping, and the binding nature of written agreements or decrees.
### Theological Significance
While רְשַׁם (rᵉsham - `{{H7560}}`) is primarily an administrative term, its theological significance emerges from the biblical narratives in which it is embedded. In Ezra, the "writing" of letters and decrees, even those hostile to God's people, highlights the meticulous nature of divine providence. God's sovereignty extends even to the official communications and records of foreign kings, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes for the restoration of Israel. The רְשַׁםing of these documents is part of the unfolding of God's plan.
In Daniel, the "signing" of the decree by King Darius is of profound theological import. It sets up a direct confrontation between human law, no matter how officially רְשַׁםed and unchangeable, and the higher law of God. Daniel's unwavering commitment to pray, despite the king's "signed" injunction, powerfully illustrates the principle that obedience to God takes precedence over any human decree that contradicts His will. The irrevocability of the human law, emphasized by the act of רְשַׁםing/signing, serves to magnify Daniel's faith and God's power to deliver. This narrative underscores the ultimate supremacy of God's unchangeable word and decrees over all earthly authority. The permanence implied by "recording" or "signing" can also subtly point to the enduring and faithful nature of God's own covenant promises and decrees, which are eternally רְשַׁםed in His divine counsel.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb רְשַׁם (rᵉsham - `{{H7560}}`) means "to write," "to record," or "to sign." It appears in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, consistently referring to the official creation of written documents, letters, or royal decrees. Its usage emphasizes the legal authority, binding nature, and permanence of such records. In Ezra, it describes the writing of administrative letters concerning the temple's rebuilding. In Daniel, it is central to the narrative of Daniel in the lions' den, denoting King Darius's act of "signing" an irrevocable decree. Theologically, רְשַׁם highlights the meticulous nature of divine providence, even in the official acts of human rulers. More significantly, it underscores the tension between human law and divine obedience, ultimately affirming the unyielding supremacy of God's word and the call to obey Him above all earthly authority, even when officially רְשַׁםed into law. The act of "recording" or "signing" in these contexts reflects the meticulous nature of divine providence and the enduring power of written revelation.
TRV