Lexical Summary melek: advice Original Word: מְלַךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance counsel (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to malak in the sense of consultation: advice -- counsel. see HEBREW malak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to malak Definition counsel, advice NASB Translation advice (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מְלֵךְ] noun masculine counsel, advice; — suffix מִלְכִּי Daniel 4:24 let my counsel be acceptable to thee. Topical Lexicon Entry Title: Mĕlak (Strong’s Hebrew 4431) – Counsel, AdviceBiblical Context Mĕlak occurs once, in Daniel 4:27, where Daniel petitions King Nebuchadnezzar: “Therefore, O king, may my counsel be pleasing to you: break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.” Here “counsel” is more than prudent suggestion; it is a divinely informed appeal to repent, practice righteousness, and exercise compassion. It stands at the hinge of the chapter: heed it and the king’s prosperity continues; ignore it and judgment will follow. Historical Background Daniel 4 is Nebuchadnezzar’s own royal proclamation recounting his second dream. The king seeks understanding, but only Daniel can interpret, revealing God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. Daniel’s mĕlak is delivered in the tension between a monarch’s pride and the Most High’s authority. Historically, Babylon appears invincible, yet the single prophetic word exposes its ruler’s vulnerability before God. Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative: The counsel originates with God, not human wisdom. Daniel serves as conduit, echoing Proverbs 19:20–21, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Ministry Implications • Prophetic Responsibility: Believers are called to speak God-centered counsel even to powerful leaders (Acts 24:24–25). Applications for the Church 1. Seek and Submit to God’s Counsel: Psalm 33:11 affirms that “the counsel of the LORD stands forever.” Congregations and leaders must prioritize Scripture in decision-making. Christological Foreshadowing Isaiah 9:6 names Messiah “Wonderful Counselor.” Daniel’s mĕlak anticipates the ultimate Counselor who calls all nations to repentance (Luke 24:47) and whose wisdom surpasses that of Solomon (Matthew 12:42). Related Scriptures on Counsel Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 20:18; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Jeremiah 32:19; Acts 20:27; Ephesians 1:11. Mĕlak’s solitary appearance therefore carries rich weight, encapsulating the gracious invitation of God’s counsel, the urgency of repentance, and the promise of mercy—truths that resonate throughout the whole canon of Scripture. Forms and Transliterations מִלְכִּי֙ מלכי mil·kî milKi milkîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:27 HEB: לָהֵ֣ן מַלְכָּ֗א מִלְכִּי֙ יִשְׁפַּ֣ר [עֲלַיִךְ NAS: O king, may my advice be pleasing KJV: O king, let my counsel be acceptable INT: Therefore king may my advice be pleasing and |
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