The Aramaic word shᵉbach, represented by H7624, is a term corresponding to שָׁבַח, meaning to adulate, i.e. adore; praise. It is a specific term for worship, appearing 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Daniel.
In its biblical context, H7624 is used to describe acts of worship directed at both the true God and false idols. Daniel uses the word when he praises the God of his fathers for granting him wisdom and might Daniel 2:23. Similarly, after his period of madness, King Nebuchadnezzar praises the most High when his understanding returns Daniel 4:34 and later praises the King of heaven whose works are truth Daniel 4:37. In stark contrast, the term is also used for the idolatrous worship of Belshazzar and his lords, who praised gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone (Daniel 5:4, Daniel 5:23).
Several related Aramaic words clarify and expand upon the concept of praise and adoration:
- H1289 bᵉrak (to bless God (as an act of adoration)): This term is used in parallel with H7624 when Nebuchadnezzar "blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him" Daniel 4:34.
- H1922 hădar (to magnify (figuratively); glorify, honour): This word frequently accompanies H7624 in Nebuchadnezzar's declarations of praise (Daniel 4:34, Daniel 4:37). Its absence is highlighted in Belshazzar's case, who praised idols but did not glorify the true God Daniel 5:23.
- H3029 yᵉdâʼ (to praise; (give) thank(-s)): Daniel explicitly links this action with praise, stating, "I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers" Daniel 2:23.
- H7313 rûwm (to be high actively, to rise or raise; extol, lift up (self), set up): This word contrasts righteous and unrighteous exaltation. Nebuchadnezzar learns to extol the King of heaven Daniel 4:37, whereas Belshazzar is condemned because he lifted up himself against the Lord of heaven Daniel 5:23.
The theological weight of H7624 is centered on the proper object and attitude of worship.
- The Object of Praise: The usage of this word starkly contrasts true and false worship. It is used righteously by Daniel and a humbled Nebuchadnezzar toward the God of heaven (Daniel 2:23, Daniel 4:34), but it is also used for the profane adoration of inanimate idols by Belshazzar Daniel 5:4.
- Praise as a Response to God: In the narrative, praise is often a direct response to God's mighty acts. Daniel praises God after receiving divine wisdom Daniel 2:23, and Nebuchadnezzar praises God after his reason is restored Daniel 4:34, acknowledging God's power and mercy.
- Worship vs. Pride: The word is used to draw a clear line between humility and pride. Nebuchadnezzar learns to praise the God who can abase the proud Daniel 4:37. In contrast, Belshazzar's downfall is linked to praising idols while lifting himself up against the Lord, failing to honour the God in whose hand his breath is Daniel 5:23.
In summary, H7624 is a potent Aramaic word for adoration whose significance is determined entirely by its object. Found exclusively in Daniel, it differentiates the legitimate praise offered to the King of heaven from the empty idolatry offered to gods of wood and stone. Its use alongside terms for blessing, honoring, and extolling underscores the nature of true worship, which stems from a humble recognition of God's ultimate authority and power.
TRV