Lexical Summary gezerah: decree Original Word: גְּזֵרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance decree (Aramaic) from gzar (as gazar); a decree -- decree. see HEBREW gzar see HEBREW gazar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from gezar Definition a decree NASB Translation decree (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [גְּזֵרָה] noun feminine decree (ᵑ7 גְּזֵירָא, Syriac  ); — construct גְּזֵרַת Daniel 4:14; Daniel 4:21. Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope Gĕzērāh denotes a decree, verdict, or irrevocable decision issued by an authority. Although the term appears only twice, both instances show that it is not merely a statement but an authoritative, effectual determination that shapes history. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Daniel 4:17 – “This matter is by the decree of the watchers and the command of the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men. He gives it to whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.” Historical Setting Both occurrences arise within Daniel’s record of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the felled tree. Babylon, at the height of its power, is confronted by a divine ruling that will humble its monarch. The decree is delivered first through angelic “watchers” (Daniel 4:17) and then confirmed by Daniel (Daniel 4:24), highlighting a coordinated heavenly and prophetic witness. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty: The Most High’s authority supersedes all earthly rule. Gĕzērāh emphasizes that God’s decisions stand unchallenged, fulfilling His purposes in the rise and fall of kings (compare Proverbs 21:1). Intertestamental and Later Jewish Reflection Rabbinic literature broadens the concept, speaking of heavenly decrees that shape individual and national destinies. The Daniel passages provided a paradigm: even angelic beings participate in announcing and carrying out God’s rulings, yet always under His ultimate authority. Christological and Eschatological Foreshadowing The idea of an unalterable heavenly decree anticipates New Testament teaching on the “times and seasons” set by the Father (Acts 1:7) and the final judgments described in Revelation. The same God who decreed Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling has decreed the universal exaltation of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9–11). Implications for Ministry 1. Preaching: Gĕzērāh provides a powerful framework for proclaiming God’s sovereignty over political events and personal lives. Practical Application • Prayer: Intercession aligns with divine decrees, seeking insight and readiness rather than resistance (Daniel 2:18–19). Conclusion Though rare in occurrence, גְּזֵרָה stands as a profound witness to the decisive, sovereign, and moral rulings of the Most High, encouraging reverence, humility, and unwavering trust in every generation. Forms and Transliterations בִּגְזֵרַ֤ת בגזרת וּגְזֵרַ֤ת וגזרת biḡ·zê·raṯ bigzeRat biḡzêraṯ ū·ḡə·zê·raṯ ugezeRat ūḡəzêraṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:17 HEB: בִּגְזֵרַ֤ת עִירִין֙ פִּתְגָמָ֔א NAS: This sentence is by the decree of the [angelic] watchers KJV: This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, INT: the decree of the watchers sentence Daniel 4:24 2 Occurrences |
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