Lexical Summary memar: Bitterness, bitterness of spirit Original Word: מֵאמַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance appointment, word (Aramaic) corresponding to ma'amar -- appointment, word. see HEBREW ma'amar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to maamar Definition a word NASB Translation command (1), request (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֵאמַר noun [masculine] word; — construct Daniel 4:14; Ezra 6:9. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Conceptual Nuance מֵאמַר (meʾamar) identifies a spoken or written word invested with binding authority—a formal statement that establishes what must come to pass. While ordinary speech in Scripture can be fleeting, a מֵאמַר carries the force of decree: once uttered, events align to fulfill it. In the ancient Near Eastern milieu, such a pronouncement could come from a king, a governing official, or, in heavenly realms, from angelic beings commissioned by God. Occurrences and Narrative Settings Ezra 6:9 situates מֵאמַר in the Persian imperial court. King Darius endorses the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and orders that animals, grain, and oil be supplied “according to the request of the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail”. The priests’ requests are treated as an authoritative decree; Persian resources flow so that covenant worship may resume. Daniel 4:17 lifts the word into the throne room of heaven: “This sentence is by decree of the watchers; this decision is by the word of the holy ones, so that the living may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men”. Divine emissaries (“watchers,” “holy ones”) issue a ruling that humbles King Nebuchadnezzar, displaying God’s sovereignty over earthly empires. Historical Backdrop Both occurrences fall within the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, books written to comfort Israel during foreign domination. In each instance the decisive “word” originates outside Israel’s own political structures—first Persian, then angelic—but always operates to advance covenant promises. The exile had raised pressing questions about whether God’s plans had failed; these texts answer with a resounding “no.” Foreign edicts and celestial decrees alike are harnessed to restore worship and to discipline prideful rulers, proving that no realm lies beyond Yahweh’s governance. Theological Motifs 1. Divine Sovereignty: The Most High directs both imperial policies (Ezra) and supernatural councils (Daniel). A single authoritative word is enough to redirect national treasuries or topple a proud monarch. Intertextual Echoes The concept aligns with Psalm 33:9—“For He spoke, and it came to be.” It anticipates Isaiah 55:11, where God’s “word” accomplishes what He desires. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies the ultimate divine decree: “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1), whose incarnation definitively reveals and enacts the Father’s will. Practical Ministry Insights • Leaders: Worldly authority is contingent; faithful stewardship requires submission to the higher decree of God. Christological Trajectory As Daniel’s watchers promulgate the decree that humbles Nebuchadnezzar, so the Father declares over His Son, “You are My beloved Son” (Luke 3:22). The resurrection stands as the climactic מֵאמַר—God’s binding verdict that Jesus is Lord (Romans 1:4). Every lesser decree ultimately bends toward this supreme proclamation. Application for the Church The church lives under the assurance that God’s authoritative word still governs history. In times of political flux or cultural exile, believers may rest in the truth that one decree from the throne can reopen doors for gospel witness, supply resources for ministry, and humble any power that resists His purposes. Forms and Transliterations וּמֵאמַ֥ר ומאמר כְּמֵאמַ֨ר כמאמר kə·mê·mar kemeMar kəmêmar ū·mê·mar umeMar ūmêmarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:9 HEB: חֲמַ֣ר וּמְשַׁ֗ח כְּמֵאמַ֨ר כָּהֲנַיָּ֤א דִי־ NAS: in Jerusalem request, [it] is to be given KJV: and oil, according to the appointment of the priests INT: wine and anointing request as the priests in Daniel 4:17 2 Occurrences |
    |