### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼashshâph**, represented by `{{H826}}`, refers to an **astrologer** or a **conjurer**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Daniel, where these figures are part of the Babylonian king's court.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **astrologers** `{{H826}}` are consistently portrayed as members of the Babylonian king's court, alongside magicians `{{H2749}}`, Chaldeans `{{H3779}}`, and soothsayers `{{H1505}}` ([[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 5:7]]). They are repeatedly summoned by the king to interpret supernatural events, such as dreams `{{H2493}}` and mysterious writings ([[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 5:15]]). In every instance, these **astrologers** prove unable to fulfill the king's demands, highlighting their limitations in the face of divine secrets [[Daniel 2:27]]. Their failure serves to contrast with the wisdom `{{H2452}}` granted to Daniel `{{H1841}}` by God `{{H426}}` [[Daniel 5:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words further define the circle of royal advisors in Babylon:
* `{{H2749}}` **charṭôm** (magician): This term for **magician** frequently appears alongside **astrologer**, indicating they were a distinct but related class of royal advisors in Babylon's court ([[Daniel 2:27]], [[Daniel 4:7]]).
* `{{H3779}}` **Kasday** (Chaldean): Often used in the same list as **astrologers**, the **Chaldeans** were a group known for their supposed astrological knowledge and were unable to interpret the king's dream ([[Daniel 2:10]], [[Daniel 5:11]]).
* `{{H1505}}` **gᵉzar** (soothsayer): Another specialist in the king's court, the **soothsayer** is summoned with the **astrologers** and others to provide interpretations but ultimately fails ([[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 5:7]]).
* `{{H2445}}` **chakkîym** (wise): This general term for a **wise** man or Magian encompasses the various counselors, including the **astrologers**, who served the king of Babylon [[Daniel 5:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H826}}` is demonstrated through its narrative context:
* **Insufficiency of Pagan Wisdom:** The repeated failures of the **astrologers** `{{H826}}` serve as a powerful theological statement on the inadequacy of human or pagan wisdom to comprehend divine secrets `{{H7328}}` [[Daniel 2:27]]. They are consistently unable (`{{H3202}}`, `{{H3809}}`) to provide the interpretations demanded by the king.
* **Primacy of Divine Revelation:** The inability of the **astrologers** creates a narrative vacuum that is filled by Daniel `{{H1841}}`, who succeeds not by his own power, but by receiving revelation from the one true God `{{H426}}` [[Daniel 2:27]]. This highlights that true understanding `{{H7924}}` and wisdom `{{H2452}}` come from God alone [[Daniel 5:11]].
* **Confrontation of Powers:** The summoning of the **astrologers** sets up a direct confrontation between the pagan court of Babylon `{{H895}}` and the God of Israel. Their failure demonstrates God's sovereignty and exposes the powerlessness of the king's most trusted spiritual advisors ([[Daniel 4:7]], [[Daniel 5:15]]).
### Summary
In summary, **ʼashshâph** `{{H826}}` identifies a specific class of occult practitioners, the **astrologer**, within the Babylonian court. Though appearing only a few times, their role is significant. They represent the peak of human and pagan esoteric knowledge, yet their consistent failure to interpret divine messages underscores a central theme in the book of Daniel: the absolute supremacy of God's wisdom over all earthly and spiritual powers. The **astrologer's** inability paves the way for the demonstration of God's power through his servant Daniel.
TRV