The Aramaic word shᵉlach, represented by H7972, means to send away, for, or out in a variety of applications, and can also mean put. It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel, where it describes the dispatch of messengers, decrees, and divine agents.
In biblical narratives, H7972 is used to illustrate the exercise of authority, both human and divine. Earthly kings send officials to gather their subjects Daniel 3:2 and send letters or answers to communicate their will across their kingdoms (Ezra 4:17, Ezra 5:7). The term is also used when a person is dispatched on an official mission, as when Ezra is sent by the king to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem Ezra 7:14. On a divine level, God sends His angel to deliver the faithful from mortal danger (Daniel 3:28, Daniel 6:22). In a unique instance, the word describes a hand being sent from God to write a message of judgment on a wall Daniel 5:24.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the action of sending:
- H4398 mal'ak (angel): This is the heavenly messenger who is often the one being sent. God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths and deliver his servants (Daniel 6:22, Daniel 3:28).
- H104 'iggᵉrâ' (letter): This word refers to an official epistle, the physical object being sent by royal couriers. Officials sent a letter to King Darius to report on the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem Ezra 5:6.
- H7804 shᵉzab (deliver): This word often describes the purpose for which an agent is sent. God sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him Daniel 3:28.
- H6600 pithgâm (answer, letter, matter, word): This term refers to the message or decree that is sent. A king sent an answer to his officials in Samaria Ezra 4:17.
The use of H7972 carries significant thematic weight, particularly in demonstrating how power is enacted.
- Royal and Imperial Communication: The word is fundamental to the administrative functions of the Persian empire depicted in Ezra and the Babylonian empire in Daniel. Kings send decrees, letters, and officials to exert their authority over vast distances (Ezra 6:13, Daniel 3:2).
- Divine Intervention and Sovereignty: The word highlights God's direct involvement in human affairs. He is the one who ultimately sends supernatural help to rescue those who are faithful to Him, demonstrating that His authority surpasses that of any earthly king (Daniel 3:28, Daniel 6:22).
- Delegated Authority: Being sent implies carrying the authority of the sender. When Ezra is sent by King Artaxerxes, he acts with the king's backing Ezra 7:14. This concept underscores the importance of mission and commission in the biblical narrative.
In summary, H7972 is a verb of action and authority. While it can denote the simple act of dispatching a message or person, its context in Ezra and Daniel elevates it to a key term for understanding the execution of power. It illustrates the chain of command in earthly empires and, more profoundly, the active, saving power of God, who sends His agents to intervene on behalf of His people.
TRV