### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma תּוֹר (tôwr) fundamentally denotes a "bull," "bullock," or "ox." This term refers specifically to a male bovine animal, typically mature. Its definition highlights a linguistic correspondence, through permutation, with the Hebrew word שׁוֹר (shôr, `{{H7794}}`), which carries the identical meaning of "ox" or "bull." This shared semantic field underscores the close linguistic relationship between Hebrew and Aramaic, indicating a common root for this essential agricultural and sacrificial animal. The range of meaning for תּוֹר is narrow and precise, focusing solely on this specific type of domesticated cattle, often valued for its strength in labor or its suitability for ritual sacrifice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, תּוֹר appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its limited yet impactful occurrences reveal distinct contextual usages:
* **Daniel 4:25, 32; 5:21**: In the book of Daniel, תּוֹר describes the animalistic state into which King Nebuchadnezzar is humbled. The prophetic declaration in [[Daniel 4:25]] states that he will be driven from human society and "eat grass like an ox (תּוֹר)". This prophecy is reiterated in [[Daniel 4:32]] and its fulfillment recounted in [[Daniel 5:21]]. In this context, the תּוֹר symbolizes a profound degradation and loss of human reason and kingly dignity. Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful ruler of his time, is reduced to the level of a beast of the field, emphasizing the absolute sovereignty of God over human pride and earthly kingdoms. The imagery underscores the king's loss of rational thought and his dependence on God's will for restoration.
* **Ezra 6:9, 17; 7:17**: In the book of Ezra, תּוֹר is used in the context of provisions for temple worship and sacrifice.
* [[Ezra 6:9]] records King Darius's decree to provide "bullocks (תּוֹר)" as offerings for the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
* [[Ezra 6:17]] specifies that 100 "bullocks (תּוֹר)" were offered for the dedication of the house of God.
* [[Ezra 7:17]] details King Artaxerxes's provision for "bullocks (תּוֹר)" to be sacrificed for the people of Israel.
In these instances, תּוֹר refers to a specific animal designated for burnt offerings and peace offerings. Its inclusion in royal decrees highlights the meticulous nature of temple worship and the divine orchestration of even pagan rulers to facilitate the re-establishment of Israelite religious practices. The תּוֹר here is a symbol of atonement, dedication, and the re-institution of covenant worship according to Mosaic law.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of תּוֹר benefits from examining its relationship with other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The most direct relation is שׁוֹר (shôr, `{{H7794}}`), the Hebrew word for "ox" or "bull." The linguistic connection underscores the shared understanding and usage of these animals across related Semitic cultures, whether for labor (e.g., plowing, threshing) or for ritual sacrifice.
* **Other Bovine Terms:** Terms like בָּקָר (bāqār, `{{H1241}}`), a general term for "cattle" or "herd," and עֵגֶל (ʿēḡel, `{{H5695}}`), meaning "calf" or "young bull," provide broader context for the classification of bovine animals in the ancient Near East. תּוֹר specifically denotes the mature male.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** In Ezra, תּוֹר is inextricably linked to the concept of animal sacrifice. As a clean and valuable animal, it served as a prescribed offering for sin, purification, and dedication, central to the Levitical system of worship. Its use in the re-dedication of the Temple underscores the importance of atonement and covenant renewal.
* **Strength and Power:** Bulls are universally recognized symbols of immense strength and power. While not explicitly stated, this inherent quality is implicitly present in both contexts: in Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar's degradation to a powerful yet unreasoning beast; in Ezra, the offering of a strong, valuable animal as a worthy sacrifice.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Humiliation:** The narrative in Daniel powerfully connects תּוֹר to God's absolute control over human affairs. The humbling of Nebuchadnezzar to the level of an ox vividly illustrates the consequences of pride and the divine prerogative to humble the mighty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of תּוֹר is multifaceted, drawing from its distinct usages in Daniel and Ezra:
* **Divine Sovereignty and the Humbling of Pride:** In Daniel, תּוֹר serves as a potent symbol of God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly rulers. Nebuchadnezzar's transformation into an ox is a vivid demonstration that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" [[Daniel 4:25]]. This divine judgment underscores the futility of human pride and self-exaltation. The king's loss of reason and dignity, reduced to grazing like a beast, is a stark reminder that true power resides solely with God, who can elevate or humble according to His will. This narrative affirms that even the most powerful human leaders are ultimately subject to divine authority.
* **Worship, Atonement, and Covenant Restoration:** In Ezra, the תּוֹר represents a crucial element in the re-establishment of corporate worship after the Babylonian exile. The provision of these animals for sacrifice, even by pagan kings, highlights God's providential care for His people and His orchestration of events to ensure the continuity of His covenant. As a prescribed sacrificial animal, the תּוֹר signifies the means of atonement for sin and the dedication of the community to God. Its regular offering was essential for maintaining ritual purity and demonstrating faithfulness to the Mosaic Law. The meticulous accounting of these sacrifices underscores the importance of obedient and reverent worship in the restored community, symbolizing their renewed commitment to their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Purity and Worthiness of Offering:** The selection of תּוֹר for sacrifice implies its unblemished nature and value, signifying a worthy offering to God. This reinforces the biblical principle of offering one's best in worship, reflecting the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.
### Summary
The Aramaic word תּוֹר (tôwr) denotes a "bull" or "ox," sharing its core meaning with the Hebrew שׁוֹר (`{{H7794}}`). Its occurrences in the biblical text are confined to the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, where it carries profound theological weight. In Daniel, תּוֹר vividly portrays the divine judgment upon King Nebuchadnezzar, illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over human pride and earthly kingdoms. The king's degradation to the level of an ox underscores the consequences of self-exaltation and the ultimate power of God to humble the proud. Conversely, in Ezra, תּוֹר appears as a central component of temple worship, specifically as a prescribed animal for sacrifice. Here, it symbolizes atonement, dedication, and the restoration of covenant relationship. The provision of תּוֹר by Persian kings highlights God's providential care for His people, enabling the re-establishment of proper, obedient worship. Thus, תּוֹר functions both as a stark symbol of divine judgment and as an essential element in the sacred acts of worship and covenant faithfulness.
TRV