The Aramaic word shᵉʼâr, represented by H7606, refers to a remainder, residue, or the rest of something. It appears 12 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to identify what is left over from a larger whole, whether it be a group of people, material goods, or what remains after a destructive event.
In biblical narratives, H7606 is used in both administrative and prophetic contexts. In the book of Ezra, it frequently denotes a remaining group of people, such as "the rest of their companions" who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezra 4:9, Ezra 4:17) or "the rest of the children of the captivity" who celebrated the dedication of the temple Ezra 6:16. It also applies to resources, as a royal decree provided for "whatsoever more" was needed for the house of God Ezra 7:20. In Daniel's visions, the word describes the "residue" that the terrifying fourth beast stamps with its feet (Daniel 7:7, Daniel 7:19).
Several related words help clarify the context of what shᵉʼâr refers to:
- H3675 kᵉnâth (companion): This term for an associate is used to define the larger group from which "the rest" are distinguished, particularly in the letters written to oppose the Jews Ezra 4:9.
- H2423 chêyvâʼ (beast): In Daniel's prophetic visions, this word describes the entities from which a "rest" Daniel 7:12 or "residue" Daniel 7:19 is left after judgment or conquest.
- H1123 bên (child, son, young): This word helps specify the identity of the remnant, as seen in the phrase "the rest of the children of the captivity" Ezra 6:16, identifying the returned exiles.
The use of H7606 carries distinct thematic weight in its contexts:
- Defining a Remnant: The word is consistently used to single out a specific remainder of a larger group. This applies to the "rest of the nations" brought over by Asnappar Ezra 4:10 and the "rest of the children of the captivity" Ezra 6:16, highlighting the concept of a remaining portion of people.
- Prophetic Aftermath: In Daniel, the term is tied to the consequences of conquest and judgment. The fourth beast devours and breaks its victims in pieces, stamping the "residue" underfoot (Daniel 7:7, Daniel 7:19). The "rest of the beasts" have their dominion removed but are allowed to live for a time Daniel 7:12.
- Stewardship of Surplus: The word is used in a royal decree concerning the provision for God's house, where the "rest of the silver and the gold" is to be used as needed Ezra 7:18. This frames the remainder not as leftovers, but as a provision for a divine purpose.
In summary, shᵉʼâr H7606 is a specific Aramaic term for what is left over. It functions to define the remaining part of a whole, whether in the historical accounting of peoples and resources in Ezra or in the prophetic visions of judgment and power in Daniel. The word consistently points to a residue, a remainder, or "whatsoever more" remains after a larger portion has been accounted for.
TRV