Lexical Summary arad: To flee, to be free, to be untamed Original Word: עֲרָד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wild ass (Aramaic) corresponding to arowd; an onager -- wild ass. see HEBREW arowd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to arod Definition a wild donkey NASB Translation wild donkeys (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֲרָד K§ 57 a) α)] noun masculine wild ass (ᵑ7 Syriac; √עֲרד, perhaps = Arabic Topical Lexicon 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 The term עֲרָד denotes the wild donkey, an untamed animal that roams the wilderness apart from human habitation. In Scripture, the wild donkey frequently illustrates unbridled freedom (Job 39:5), stubborn independence (Jeremiah 2:24), and life lived outside ordered community. Its choice of barren terrain underscores themes of estrangement from covenant blessings and exposure to danger when one rejects God’s rule. 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 Daniel 5:21 recounts the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar: “He was driven away from mankind, his mind became like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys”. Here עֲרָד paints a vivid portrait of the king’s exile from civilized society, equating his self-exalting pride with the desolate isolation of onagers. The picture powerfully contrasts regal splendor with utter deprivation, stressing that earthly throne and personal brilliance are nothing before the Most High. 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Nebuchadnezzar’s seven-year humiliation (narrated fully in Daniel 4 and summarized for Belshazzar in Daniel 5) occurred in the sixth century B.C. Babylon’s ruler, triumphant in conquest and architecture, boasted in achievements rather than acknowledging the God who “changes times and seasons” (Daniel 2:21). The Lord answered with judgment, banishing him to a bestial existence among עֲרָד. Ancient Mesopotamian texts likewise depict kingship removal as loss of “heart of man,” yet Daniel alone attributes restoration to recognizing Yahweh’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:34-36). 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 • Divine Sovereignty over Kings – The wild donkey scene announces that “the Most High God rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wishes” (Daniel 5:21). Global powers rise and fall at His decree; arrogance invites abasement (Proverbs 16:18). • Pride and Humiliation – Like the unbridled onager, human pride seeks self-direction. Yet God resists the proud (James 4:6). Nebuchadnezzar’s experience foreshadows ultimate judgment when Christ returns to “bring low those who dwell on high” (Isaiah 26:5). • Restoration through Repentance – The same verse that records exile among עֲרָד ends with recognition of divine rule. Even severe discipline serves redemptive purposes, leading the humbled heart to glorify God (Hebrews 12:10-11). • Wilderness Motif – Scripture often links wilderness with testing and transformation (Exodus 3:1; Luke 4:1-13). The king’s dwelling with wild donkeys forms part of this pattern: isolation strips away false security so that true faith may emerge. 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 Job 39:5-8 speaks of the wild donkey laughing at the commotion of the town, choosing the salt land as its home—imagery resonating with Nebuchadnezzar’s estrangement. Hosea 8:9 compares Israel’s alliance-seeking to a “solitary wild donkey,” indicting spiritual infidelity. Psalm 104:11 pictures wild donkeys quenching thirst from God-provided springs, a subtle reminder that even untamed creatures depend on the Creator. Together these passages highlight both the folly of self-willed wandering and the mercy available to all creation. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 1. Warning against Conceited Leadership – Preachers can apply Daniel 5:21 to caution leaders that gifts and positions are entrusted stewardship, not personal entitlement. 2. Hope for the Wayward – The wild donkey metaphor assures prodigals that no exile is final when repentance turns the heart God-ward. Testimonies of restoration mirror Nebuchadnezzar’s confession (Daniel 4:37). 3. Formation through Wilderness Seasons – Believers enduring isolation or loss may see their circumstance not as abandonment but as divine classroom, preparing them for renewed service. 4. Call to Humble Intercession – Daniel’s faithful witness before proud kings encourages prayer for modern authorities, trusting God to humble and redeem according to His perfect timetable (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 עֲרָד, though occurring only once, vividly embodies the humbling of the proud and the sovereignty of God that restores the penitent. Its single appearance in Daniel 5:21 communicates timeless truth: those who exalt themselves will be cast out to dwell with the wild donkeys, but those who acknowledge the Most High will find their reason—and their place—restored. Forms and Transliterations עֲרָֽדַיָּא֙ ערדיא ‘ă·rā·ḏay·yā ‘ărāḏayyā aradaiYaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:21 HEB: ק) וְעִם־ עֲרָֽדַיָּא֙ מְדוֹרֵ֔הּ עִשְׂבָּ֤א NAS: and his dwelling place [was] with the wild donkeys. He was given KJV: and his dwelling [was] with the wild asses: they fed INT: make like with the wild and his dwelling grass 1 Occurrence |
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give a cry NöSBWAk. cxlii. see II. 1900, see Biblical Hebrew עָרוֺד as loan-word (KAramaismen 72, but dubious NöZMG lvii (1903), 413)); — plural emphatic עֲרָדַיָּא