The Aramaic word bᵉhal, represented by H927, denotes a state of being terrified or troubled, and can also mean to hasten or act in haste. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. Its usage captures both the internal turmoil of a troubled mind and the external urgency of a sudden action.
In the biblical narrative, H927 consistently describes the reactions of individuals, particularly powerful kings and the prophet Daniel, to supernatural revelations or crises. When King Belshazzar sees the writing on the wall, his thoughts troubled him Daniel 5:6 and he was greatly troubled Daniel 5:9. Similarly, Daniel's own cogitations troubled him after receiving a vision Daniel 7:28. The word also signifies swift movement in response to a startling event, as when Nebuchadnezzar "rose up in haste" after seeing a fourth figure in the fiery furnace Daniel 3:24, or when King Darius went "in haste" to the lions' den Daniel 6:19.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the distress and alarm indicated by H927:
- H1763 dᵉchal (to fear, be formidable): This word highlights the source of the trouble. Nebuchadnezzar saw a dream which made him afraid Daniel 4:5, and a prophetic beast is described as dreadful Daniel 7:7.
- H7476 raʻyôwn (mental conception; cogitation, thought): This is what is often affected by H927. A king's thoughts troubled him Daniel 5:6, and Daniel's own cogitations much troubled him Daniel 7:28.
- H2122 zîyv (brightness, countenance): This shows the visible, physical effect of being troubled. When King Belshazzar was troubled, his countenance was changed in him Daniel 5:9. Daniel also notes that his countenance changed when he was troubled by his thoughts Daniel 7:28.
The theological weight of H927 is tied to its depiction of the human response to divine power and revelation.
- Reaction to Divine Intervention: The word is used to show how divine visions and acts cause profound alarm, even in the most powerful earthly rulers. It underscores that encounters with the supernatural are not serene but deeply troubling, as seen when the visions of Daniel's head troubled him Daniel 7:15.
- Mental and Emotional Distress: The trouble described is deep and internal. The repeated phrase "thoughts troubled him" (Daniel 4:19, Daniel 5:6) illustrates that divine messages unsettle the mind and spirit, causing visible distress and fear.
- Urgency in Response to God: The dual meaning of "hasten" signifies that divine events demand immediate attention and action. Arioch bringing Daniel before the king in haste Daniel 2:25 reflects the urgency of interpreting God's message.
In summary, H927 is a specific and powerful Aramaic term used in Daniel to convey a dual concept. It captures the severe mental and emotional distress that results from witnessing divine power, and it also describes the urgent, hurried reaction that such events demand. Its usage vividly illustrates the unsettling and compelling nature of God's interventions in human affairs, showing how both prophets and kings are shaken by revelations beyond their control.
TRV