Lexical Summary delaq: burning Original Word: דְּלַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance burn (Aramaic) corresponding to dalaq -- burn. see HEBREW dalaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to dalaq Definition to burn NASB Translation burning (1). Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery דְּלַק (delaq) evokes the vivid picture of something set ablaze, a flame that is active, visible, and consuming. The term emphasizes not a smoldering ember but a conspicuous, vigorous burning that commands immediate attention. Canonical Occurrence Daniel 7:9 is the sole biblical setting in which דְּלַק appears. There the prophet reports, “His throne was blazing with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze” (Daniel 7:9). The word “blazing” (delaq) accentuates the throne’s fiery nature and frames the entire vision in the language of consuming, purifying brightness. Context in Daniel’s Vision Daniel 7 unfolds at a crucial juncture in Israel’s exile, presenting four grotesque beasts that culminate in a little horn challenging heaven. Into that chaos breaks the awe-inspiring courtroom scene of the Ancient of Days. The fiery throne interrupts earthly turbulence with an assertion of transcendent sovereignty. The flame is not merely decorative; it is judicial. The “river of fire” (Daniel 7:10) flows from the throne, reinforcing that the blaze is both the presence and the verdict of God. דְּלַק thus conveys an immediate shift from human power struggles to divine authority. Symbolic Connotations of Divine Fire 1. Holiness and Purity – Fire frequently portrays God’s moral perfection (Deuteronomy 4:24; Isaiah 6:6-7). The throne’s blaze assures readers that the coming court will be uncompromisingly pure. Connections with Other Scriptural Passages Ezekiel 1 and 10 share the imagery of fiery wheels; Revelation 1:14-15, 4:5 echoes the fiery throne motif; Hebrews 12:29 cites “our God is a consuming fire.” These parallels deepen the meaning of דְּלַק: the same flame that burns before the throne in heaven also accompanied Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21) and will refine the works of believers (1 Corinthians 3:13). Scripture’s unity emerges as each instance amplifies God’s holiness and justice. Historical Background Daniel’s vision occurs during the Medo-Persian ascendancy, a period when Judah’s national identity was fragile. A throne wreathed in fire communicated that, despite exile, covenant promises remained ablaze. The vision’s grandeur taught displaced Israelites that the heavenly King remained enthroned and active in human affairs. Theological Implications דְּלַק affirms divine transcendence—God’s throne is not carved of stone but living flame. It also affirms immanence: that very fire flows outward (“a river of fire was flowing,” Daniel 7:10) to engage history. The consuming blaze therefore assures believers that evil is neither ignored nor unstoppable; it is moving inexorably toward the court of the Ancient of Days. Ministry and Devotional Applications • Worship – The blazing throne calls congregations to reverent awe. Songs and prayers can draw on Daniel 7:9 to foster adoration of God’s holiness. Homiletical Insight A fruitful outline might trace “The Fire of the Throne”: 1. The Source of the Flame (God’s holiness) Summary דְּלַק appears once, yet its single spark ignites a sweeping biblical theology of divine fire. From Moses’ burning bush to the fiery lake of Revelation, Scripture consistently portrays God as ablaze in holiness, justice, and glory. Daniel 7:9 stands at the center of that motif, reminding the church that history’s throne is not cool granite but consuming flame, and that flame both judges and secures all who take refuge in Him. Forms and Transliterations דָּלִֽק׃ דלק׃ dā·liq daLik dāliqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:9 HEB: גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹהִי נ֥וּר דָּלִֽק׃ NAS: Its wheels [were] a burning fire. KJV: [and] his wheels [as] burning fire. INT: wheels fire a burning |
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