Lexical Summary tsela: Rib, side, chamber Original Word: צְלָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pray (Aramaic) probably corresponding to tsala' in the sense of bowing; pray -- pray. see HEBREW tsala' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. root Definition to pray NASB Translation pray (1), praying (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [צְלָא] verb Pa`el pray (originally bow in prayer) (ᵑ7 id., bow, Pa`el pray, so Syriac  and Pa.; Assyrian ƒullû, entreat (apparently not of prayer to gods ZimKAT 3. 610 f.); Arabic  middle of the back,  II. pray, Ethiopic  bow,  pray; Sabean צלות shrine HomChr 125; AA 185); — Participle מְצַלֵּא Daniel 6:11 (absolute); plural מְצַלַּ֫יִן (K§ 47a)) Ezra 6:10 (with ל in behalf of). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scopeצְלָא is the Aramaic noun for “prayer,” occurring in two passages in the Old Testament’s Aramaic sections. Although infrequent, its placement in decisive historical moments underscores prayer as the lifeline between God and His covenant people even while they live under foreign authority. Occurrences 1. Ezra 6:10 – Persian King Darius orders continual sacrifices at the rebuilt temple “and pray for the lives of the king and his sons.” Historical Setting In both verses Judah is in exile or under foreign domination. The same empire that threatens Jewish identity also becomes the context in which prayer shapes imperial policy (Ezra) or exposes imperial idolatry (Daniel). צְלָא therefore bridges the apparent gulf between exile and covenant, showing that communion with God transcends geography and political power. Intercession for Rulers Ezra 6:10 records the first biblical instance of a Gentile king explicitly requesting Jewish intercession for his welfare. This anticipates the New Testament exhortation: “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all people—for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Prayer on behalf of secular leadership is not capitulation but a means of advancing God’s kingdom purposes through stability and favor. Resolute Prayer under Persecution Daniel 6 presents the archetype of civil disobedience rooted in devotion to God. The threat of the lions’ den cannot silence prayer, illustrating that genuine faith prays “just as he had done before.” Daniel’s posture—windows open toward Jerusalem—confesses hope in God’s promises (1 Kings 8:46-49). His steadfast צְלָא exposes the impotence of idolatrous decrees and vindicates divine sovereignty. Theological Themes • Continuity: Whether in Hebrew (תְּפִלָּה) or Aramaic (צְלָא), prayer remains the covenant expression of dependence on God. Ministry Significance 1. Corporate Worship: Ezra 6:10 legitimizes priestly intercession as part of sacrificial worship, encouraging modern congregations to combine liturgy with petitions for civic leaders. Practical Applications • Establish consistent times for prayer, integrating thanksgiving and intercession. Related Biblical References Psalm 5:3; Jeremiah 29:7; Acts 4:24-31; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:17. Summary צְלָא, though appearing only twice, captures the essence of prayer as steadfast communion with the sovereign God, shaping history, sustaining saints, and advancing His kingdom purposes even in the shadow of empires. Forms and Transliterations וּמְצַלֵּ֤א וּמְצַלַּ֕יִן ומצלא ומצלין ū·mə·ṣal·la·yin ū·mə·ṣal·lê ūməṣallayin ūməṣallê umetzalLayin umetzalLeLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:10 HEB: לֶאֱלָ֣הּ שְׁמַיָּ֑א וּמְצַלַּ֕יִן לְחַיֵּ֥י מַלְכָּ֖א NAS: of heaven and pray for the life KJV: of heaven, and pray for the life INT: to the God of heaven and pray the life of the king Daniel 6:10 2 Occurrences |
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