Lexical Summary ashith: To set, place, appoint Original Word: עֲשִׁת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance think (Aramaic) corresponding to ashath; to purpose -- think. see HEBREW ashath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to ashath Definition to think, plan NASB Translation planned (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֲשִׁת], עֲשִׁית (K§§ 38, 1 a); 17, 2. Anm. 2) verb think, plan (Biblical Hebrew II. עשׁת (q. v.) as Aramaism; ᵑ7 אִתְעַשֵּׁת, not Syriac); — Perfect3masculine singular (strictly Passive participle NöGGA 1884, 1019; Syr. Gr. § 280 M78*) ׳ע Daniel 6:4, followed by infinitive, plan to so and so. עֶת see כְּעֶת. Topical Lexicon OccurrenceDaniel 6:3 records the solitary appearance of עֲשִׁת. “The king planned to set him over the whole kingdom” (Berean Standard Bible). The term captures the deliberate resolve of Darius to entrust Daniel with comprehensive authority. Historical Setting The event stands in the early years of the Medo-Persian supremacy over Babylon (circa 539 B.C.). Having inherited an immense bureaucracy, Darius sought dependable leadership. Daniel, already distinguished for decades of faithful service (Daniel 1–5), was recognized for “an extraordinary spirit.” The monarch’s intention (עֲשִׁת) to elevate an exiled Jew above native aristocrats ignited political jealousy and set the stage for the lions’-den crisis. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty in Human Deliberation Though articulated as the king’s private plan, Scripture consistently portrays such intentions as ultimately governed by God. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). עֲשִׁת thus becomes a concrete instance of providential steering, affirming texts such as Psalm 75:6-7 and Daniel 2:21. 2. Reward for Faithful Excellence Daniel’s imminent promotion parallels Joseph’s rise under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-41). In both narratives God honors integrity and spiritual insight within foreign administrations, demonstrating that steadfast righteousness can shape secular policy without compromise. 3. Conflict Between Kingdom Allegiances The king’s plan generated the conspiracy of governors who manipulated imperial law to criminalize Daniel’s prayer life (Daniel 6:5-9). The episode illustrates how righteous influence often provokes opposition yet advances redemptive purposes (cf. Acts 5:29). Ministry Significance • Marketplace Leadership Daniel models how believers can occupy top-tier governmental roles while maintaining uncompromised devotion, encouraging Christians to seek excellence and credibility in public vocations (Colossians 3:23-24). • Spiritual Discernment in Administrative Planning The word עֲשִׁת reminds ministers and leaders that every strategic decision—whether ecclesiastical or civic—carries moral and spiritual weight. Prayerful dependence on God’s wisdom (James 1:5) must undergird all human planning. • Steadfast Witness Under Scrutiny Daniel’s prospective appointment invites scrutiny that ultimately magnifies God’s deliverance (Daniel 6:22). Christian servants should expect their faithfulness to be tested yet trust divine vindication (1 Peter 2:12). Intercanonical Echoes Psalm 2:6-7 speaks of God’s eternal decree to install His King on Zion, anticipating the greater appointment of Jesus Christ. The temporal intent of Darius to “set” Daniel foreshadows the Father’s definitive installation of the Son over the universal kingdom (Matthew 28:18). Practical Application • Examine motives in leadership appointments, ensuring alignment with God’s righteousness. Summary Although עֲשִׁת appears only once, its context magnifies a pattern of God guiding human intention to exalt His faithful servant, confront unrighteous opposition, and display sovereign deliverance. For contemporary believers, it challenges each generation to steward positions of influence under the conscious awareness of God’s overruling purposes. Forms and Transliterations עֲשִׁ֔ית עשית ‘ă·šîṯ ‘ăšîṯ aShitLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:3 HEB: בֵּ֔הּ וּמַלְכָּ֣א עֲשִׁ֔ית לַהֲקָמוּתֵ֖הּ עַל־ NAS: and the king planned to appoint KJV: [was] in him; and the king thought to set INT: an extraordinary and the king planned to appoint over |
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