### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉlêṭ**, represented by `{{H7981}}`, corresponds to the concept of domination and governance. Its definition includes to **have the mastery**, **have power**, **bear rule**, or to **be (make) ruler**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Daniel, where it defines various forms of authority and control.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7981}}` is used to describe both human appointments and elemental forces. It signifies a high position of authority within a kingdom, such as when Daniel is made **ruler** over the province of Babylon [[Daniel 2:48]] or when a reward is offered to become the third **ruler** in the kingdom ([[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:16]]). The word also depicts the scope of dominion, as a future kingdom is prophesied to **bear rule** over all the earth [[Daniel 2:39]]. Beyond political power, it is used to describe how the fire had no **power** over the bodies of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego [[Daniel 3:27]], and conversely, how the lions **had the mastery** of Daniel's accusers [[Daniel 6:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the structures of power and authority:
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king): This term for a monarch often appears as the one who grants power. The **king** makes Daniel ruler [[Daniel 2:48]] and offers a high position of rulership as a reward [[Daniel 5:7]]. The authority of the **king** is contrasted with the ultimate authority of God, who sets up and removes kings [[Daniel 2:44]].
* `{{H5460}}` **çᵉgan** (a prefect of aprovince; governor): This word refers to an official rank within the government. When Daniel was made ruler, he was placed as chief over all the **governors** of Babylon [[Daniel 2:48]]. These **governors** were also witnesses to God's power when the fire could not harm Daniel's companions [[Daniel 3:27]].
* `{{H5705}}` **ʻad** (as far as, until): This word denotes duration or extent. It is used idiomatically with `{{H7981}}` in the phrase "had the mastery" [[Daniel 6:24]]. It also describes the eternal nature of God's dominion, which continues **unto** the end [[Daniel 6:26]].
* `{{H7229}}` **rab** (chief, great, master): This term signifies high rank or greatness. Daniel was appointed **chief** of the governors [[Daniel 2:48]] and **master** of the magicians [[Daniel 5:11]]. The word is also used to describe the **great** God [[Daniel 2:45]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H7981}}` highlights several key themes centered on power and dominion.
* **Delegated Authority:** The power to rule is consistently shown as something granted by a higher authority. A king can make someone a **ruler** ([[Daniel 2:38]], [[Daniel 2:48]]), demonstrating a clear chain of command in earthly kingdoms.
* **Dominion Over Nature:** Rulership is not limited to people. God gave Nebuchadnezzar the authority to be **ruler** over the beasts of the field and fowls of the heaven [[Daniel 2:38]]. In a contrasting display, the lions **had the mastery** over men, showing the raw power of the natural world [[Daniel 6:24]].
* **The Limits of Earthly Power:** A significant theme is that worldly power is finite. This is vividly illustrated when fire, a powerful force, has no **power** over those protected by God [[Daniel 3:27]], showing a divine authority that supersedes physical laws.
* **Prophetic Rulership:** The term is integral to prophecy, describing the scope of future empires. The vision of a coming kingdom that will **bear rule** over the whole earth places the concept of dominion within God's sovereign historical plan [[Daniel 2:39]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7981}}` is a potent Aramaic word for control and rulership. Within the book of Daniel, it effectively conveys concepts of political hierarchy, the extent of dominion over creation, and the ultimate limitations of earthly power when confronted with divine authority. It is a cornerstone for understanding the dynamics of governance and sovereignty in both the human and prophetic realms.
TRV