(Aramaic) corresponding to the root of שׁוֹבֵק; to quit, i.e. allow to remain; leave, let alone.
Transliteration:shᵉbaq
Pronunciation:sheb-ak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H7662 (שְׁבַק, *shᵉbaq*) carries the primary sense of "to leave," "to abandon," "to allow to remain," or "to let alone." Its semantic range extends to concepts of relinquishing control, permitting a state or action to continue, or forsaking something. While the base definition links it to the root of `{{H7726}}` (שׁוֹבֵק, *shoveq*), which is a proper noun, the conceptual connection points to a shared underlying idea of "leaving" or "setting aside." In Aramaic contexts, *shᵉbaq* often implies a deliberate act of non-interference, a cessation of action, or the preservation of something in a particular state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H7662 (שְׁבַק, *shᵉbaq*) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently reflects the core meaning of "to leave," "to let alone," or "to abandon/cease."
* **Daniel 2:44**: "And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever." Here, *shᵉbaq* (לָא יִשְׁתְּבִק) is used in the passive, emphasizing that God's eternal kingdom will not be "left" or "handed over" to any other earthly power, underscoring its unique and unassailable nature.
* **Daniel 4:15**: (Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree) "Nevertheless, leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field." The imperative form of *shᵉbaq* (שְׁבֻקוּ) commands that the stump be "left" or "allowed to remain," signifying a divine decree of preservation amidst judgment, providing a basis for future restoration.
* **Daniel 4:23**: "And whereas the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him’." This reiterates the command to "leave" the stump, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordained remnant.
* **Daniel 4:26**: "And because it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules." This verse directly links the act of "leaving" the stump with the promise of Nebuchadnezzar's eventual restoration to his kingdom, contingent upon his recognition of God's sovereignty.
* **Ezra 4:17**: (Artaxerxes' reply concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem) "Therefore make a decree that these men be made to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me." In this context, *shᵉbaq* (יִשְׁתַּבְּקוּן), in the passive, means "let them be left" from their work, or "let them cease." It represents a royal command to halt construction.
* **Ezra 6:7**: (Darius's decree concerning the Temple) "Let the work on this house of God alone; leave the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews to build this house of God on its site." Here, *shᵉbaq* (שְׁבֻקוּ) is an imperative, a command to "let alone" or "allow to proceed" the rebuilding of the Temple, indicating non-interference and official permission.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an Aramaic term, H7662 (שְׁבַק, *shᵉbaq*) finds conceptual parallels with several Hebrew verbs that convey notions of leaving, abandoning, or permitting.
* `{{H5800}}` (עָזַב, *'azav*): This common Hebrew verb means "to leave," "to forsake," or "to abandon." It shares the sense of allowing something to remain or being left behind, similar to how the stump is "left" in Daniel.
* `{{H5203}}` (נָטַשׁ, *natash*): Meaning "to abandon," "to cast off," or "to let go." This verb often implies relinquishing control or neglecting something, aligning with aspects of *shᵉbaq* when it signifies cessation.
* `{{H7503}}` (רָפָה, *raphah*): Meaning "to sink down," "to relax," "to let go," or "to cease." This verb directly overlaps with the idea of "letting alone" or "not hindering," as seen in the permission granted in [[Ezra 6:7]].
* `{{H2308}}` (חָדַל, *chadal*): Meaning "to cease," "to stop," or "to desist." This aligns with the usage of *shᵉbaq* in [[Ezra 4:17]] where a command is given to "cease" building.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7662 (שְׁבַק, *shᵉbaq*) is profound, particularly in its limited but impactful occurrences within the Aramaic portions of Scripture.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Preservation**: The most striking theological implication is found in Daniel's account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The command to "leave" the stump of the tree ([[Daniel 4:15]], [[Daniel 4:23]], [[Daniel 4:26]]) reveals God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers. Even in judgment, God retains the power to shᵉbaq (preserve) a remnant, signifying that His ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted. This act of "leaving" is not abandonment but a deliberate, purposeful act of divine control, ensuring future restoration or the continuation of a divine plan. It underscores the truth that even when human power is humbled, God's decree determines what remains and what is restored.
2. **Unassailable Kingdom of God**: In [[Daniel 2:44]], the declaration that God's kingdom "shall not be left to another people" powerfully asserts its unique, eternal, and unchangeable nature. Unlike human empires that rise and fall and are shᵉbaq (left/handed over) to successive powers, God's kingdom stands forever. This highlights God's faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of His reign, which is beyond human capacity to dismantle or transfer.
3. **Divine Permission and Non-Interference**: In the context of Ezra, shᵉbaq demonstrates divine permission and the cessation of opposition. King Darius's decree to "let the work on this house of God alone" and "leave the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews to build" ([[Ezra 6:7]]) illustrates God's providential working through secular authorities to allow His people to fulfill His will. Conversely, the command in [[Ezra 4:17]] to "make these men to cease" from building Jerusalem (before the later decree) shows that God also permits (or orchestrates) periods of cessation or hindrance for His own purposes, often for the testing or refinement of His people.
In essence, *shᵉbaq* speaks to God's active yet sometimes seemingly passive, control over events. Whether allowing something to remain, preventing its transfer, or commanding its cessation, the verb consistently points to a divine hand orchestrating outcomes according to His eternal counsel.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H7662 (שְׁבַק, *shᵉbaq*) fundamentally means "to leave," "to allow to remain," or "to let alone." Its occurrences are confined to the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it plays a crucial role in conveying significant theological truths. In Daniel, *shᵉbaq* underscores God's absolute sovereignty, particularly in His decision to "leave" a remnant (the stump) of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, signifying the possibility of restoration and the unyielding nature of divine decree ([[Daniel 4:15]], [[Daniel 4:23]], [[Daniel 4:26]]). It also powerfully asserts that God's eternal kingdom "shall not be left to another people" ([[Daniel 2:44]]), emphasizing its unique and everlasting nature. In Ezra, the term highlights divine providence through royal decrees, either permitting the cessation of work ([[Ezra 4:17]]) or, more favorably, commanding non-interference and allowing the rebuilding of the Temple to proceed ([[Ezra 6:7]]). Conceptually, *shᵉbaq* aligns with Hebrew terms like `{{H5800}}` ('azav) and `{{H7503}}` (raphah), sharing the semantic range of abandoning, permitting, or ceasing. Ultimately, the study of *shᵉbaq* reveals a God who is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, exercising His will to preserve, establish, or halt according to His sovereign plan, demonstrating His faithfulness and ultimate control over all things.
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