### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉzab**, represented by `{{H7804}}`, means **to leave, i.e. (causatively) free; deliver**. It appears 9 times across 7 unique verses, with all occurrences found in the book of Daniel. The term specifically denotes a divine act of rescue or liberation from a situation of imminent and certain death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7804}}` is used exclusively in contexts of dramatic deliverance. It first appears when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego defy King Nebuchadnezzar, stating their confidence that "our God whom we serve is able to **deliver** us from the burning fiery furnace" [[Daniel 3:17]]. The king challenges this, asking, "who is that God that shall **deliver** you out of my hands?" [[Daniel 3:15]]. After their miraculous survival, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that God "hath sent his angel, and **delivered** his servants" [[Daniel 3:28]]. The word is used similarly in the account of Daniel in the lions' den, where King Darius expresses his hope, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will **deliver** thee" [[Daniel 6:16]], and later cries out, "is thy God... able to **deliver** thee from the lions?" [[Daniel 6:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of the concept of deliverance in Daniel:
* `{{H3202}}` **yᵉkêl** (to be able, can, couldest, prevail): This word is frequently used to question or affirm the *capacity* for deliverance. It highlights the power behind the act, as seen when King Darius asks if Daniel's God was "**able** to deliver" him [[Daniel 6:20]], which echoes the friends' earlier declaration that their God "is **able** to deliver" [[Daniel 3:17]].
* `{{H5338}}` **nᵉtsal** (to extricate; deliver, rescue): This term is used as a direct synonym for `{{H7804}}`, reinforcing the theme of rescue. In his decree, King Darius proclaims that God "**delivereth** `{{H7804}}` and **rescueth** `{{H5338}}`" [[Daniel 6:27]].
* `{{H6399}}` **pᵉlach** (to serve or worship; minister, serve): This word establishes the foundation upon which deliverance is granted. The act of being delivered by God is consistently linked to the recipient's faithful **service** to Him, as stated by Darius: "Thy God whom thou **servest** continually, he will **deliver** thee" [[Daniel 6:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7804}}` is centered on God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Earthly Power:** The word is used to frame a direct contest between the authority of a human king and the power of God. The deliverance from the furnace and the lions' den serves as God's definitive answer to Nebuchadnezzar's challenge [[Daniel 3:15]].
* **Deliverance as a Reward for Faithfulness:** The rescues described are not arbitrary. They are a direct response to the unwavering loyalty of God's servants who "trusted in him" and refused to serve other gods [[Daniel 3:28]]. It connects steadfast worship with divine protection.
* **A Witness to the Nations:** The acts of deliverance using `{{H7804}}` compel pagan rulers to acknowledge the supremacy of the God of Israel. God's power to **deliver** his people ultimately leads to decrees being made in His honor throughout the Babylonian and Persian empires ([[Daniel 3:28]], [[Daniel 6:27]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7804}}` is a powerful Aramaic term that encapsulates a core theme in the book of Daniel: God's ultimate power to **deliver** His faithful followers from mortal peril. It moves beyond a simple concept of rescue to illustrate that such acts are a demonstration of God's sovereignty, a direct response to loyal service, and a testimony of His power to all nations.
TRV