### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉlâh**, represented by `{{H7954}}`, means **to be secure** or **at rest**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance captures a specific moment of profound, yet temporary, human security and tranquility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H7954}}` is found in a declaration by King Nebuchadnezzar. He states, "**I** `{{H576}}` **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}` was `{{H1934}}` **at rest** `{{H7954}}` in mine **house** `{{H1005}}`, and **flourishing** `{{H7487}}` in my palace" [[Daniel 4:4]]. This statement establishes the king's perspective of complete comfort, power, and prosperity at the height of his reign, immediately before he receives a humbling divine vision. The word encapsulates the pinnacle of worldly peace from the viewpoint of a powerful monarch.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words from its context help illustrate this scene of royal ease:
* `{{H5020}}` **Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar** (Nebuchadnezzar): The speaker is the powerful king of Babylon, who built a great kingdom [[Daniel 4:30]] and who would later praise the King of heaven's ability to abase those who walk in pride [[Daniel 4:37]].
* `{{H7487}}` **raʻănan** (flourishing): Defined as prosperous, this word is used in direct parallel with "at rest" to emphasize the king's thriving and successful condition [[Daniel 4:4]].
* `{{H1005}}` **bayith** (house): Refers to the king's dwelling, a place of personal security. The term is used broadly for a physical dwelling or even the great "house of the kingdom" that Nebuchadnezzar boasted of building [[Daniel 4:30]].
* `{{H576}}` **ʼănâʼ** (I): The use of the first-person pronoun underscores that this feeling of being "at rest" is a personal and prideful assessment made by the king himself [[Daniel 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7954}}` is derived from its unique and poignant context, highlighting the fragility of human security.
* **The Rest of Pride:** Nebuchadnezzar's state of being "at rest" is a self-assessment of his own success and power. It represents a peak of human comfort that stands in contrast to divine authority, a pride for which he is later humbled [[Daniel 4:37]].
* **Conditional Tranquility:** This sense of rest is not permanent. The narrative context, including a later plea for a "lengthening of thy tranquillity" [[Daniel 4:27]], suggests that this human-achieved security is temporary and dependent on righteousness.
* **A Prelude to Divine Intervention:** The king’s declaration of being at rest comes immediately before God interrupts his comfort with a disturbing vision. This positions worldly ease as a precursor to a divine encounter that challenges and redefines true security.
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, `{{H7954}}` is a significant word. It does not simply mean rest, but captures a specific moment of peak human achievement and self-assured tranquility. Its placement in the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the difference between the fleeting security built by human hands and the ultimate authority of God.
TRV