Lexical Summary zehar: Brightness, shining Original Word: זְהַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take heed (Aramaic) corresponding to zahar; (passively) be admonished -- take heed. see HEBREW zahar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to zahar Definition to warn. Brown-Driver-Briggs [זְהַר] verb Pe`al Passive participle plural זְהִירִין Ezra 4:22 be warned (ᵑ7 Syriac, compare Biblical Hebrew II. [זָהַר] Hiph`il warn). Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Contextual Background Derived from a Semitic root conveying the idea of warning, caution, or vigilance, זְהַר appears only once in its Aramaic form in the Old Testament (Ezra 4:22). The rarity of the form heightens its force: a sharp administrative order demanding full and immediate attention. Though the Hebrew cognate (see Psalm 19:11; Ezekiel 3:18–21; Proverbs 13:18) occurs more frequently, both shapes of the root share a unified semantic field—alerting someone to danger and urging responsible action. Scriptural Setting: Ezra 4:22 “See that you do not neglect this matter. Why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?”. The Persian monarch’s directive, penned in Aramaic, orders provincial officials to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. The single imperative “be careful” (זְהַר) stands at the heart of the sentence, functioning as the pivot of the king’s concern: heed the instruction, or risk royal displeasure. The command is secular, yet it exposes a perennial biblical theme—human authorities act under divine sovereignty even when opposing God’s people (Proverbs 21:1; Acts 4:24–28). Themes of Vigilance and Stewardship 1. Personal alertness: Scripture consistently ties vigilance to obedience. Psalm 19:11 affirms, “By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.” Historical Dimension Ezra’s narrative unfolds during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC). Imperial correspondence was often drafted in Imperial Aramaic, the lingua franca of the empire. The legal weight of the verb זְהַר in that milieu underscores how seriously Persian rulers treated provincial disturbances. Understanding this backdrop clarifies why Judah’s enemies exploited bureaucratic channels to hinder the rebuilding effort. Theological Implications • Divine providence: Even hostile edicts fit within God’s redemptive chronology; the temple and the city are ultimately completed (Ezra 6:14–15; Nehemiah 6:15–16). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Teaching and preaching: Use Ezra 4:22 to illustrate how a single imperative can change the course of events, encouraging believers to heed Scripture’s commands promptly. Continuity in the New Testament The ethos of זְהַר surfaces in the watchfulness urged by Jesus and the Apostles. “Stay awake and pray, so that you will not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Paul echoes the same spirit: “Pay careful attention to how you walk” (Ephesians 5:15). The term’s Old Testament singular occurrence thus foreshadows a New Covenant call to lifelong vigilance. Reflection and Challenge • Where has God placed you in a role that demands careful oversight? The lone Aramaic imperative זְהַר may be brief, yet it reverberates across Scripture, reminding every generation to watch, warn, and walk wisely until the kingdom is fully revealed. Forms and Transliterations וּזְהִירִ֥ין וזהירין ū·zə·hî·rîn uzehiRin ūzəhîrînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:22 HEB: וּזְהִירִ֥ין הֱו֛וֹ שָׁל֖וּ INT: take heed Beware negligent 1 Occurrence |
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