Lexical Summary shedar: Decree, edict Original Word: שְׁדַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance labor (Aramaic) a primitive root; to endeavor -- labour. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. root Definition to struggle, strive NASB Translation exerting (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁדַר] verb Hithpa. struggle, strive (ᵑ7 id. Pa`el wrestle, Ithpa`al be recalcitrant, also שְׁדַל Ithpa`al strive, and so Late Hebrew שָׁדַל (ל for ר), Syriac  beguile, especially Pa`el, see NöZMG xi (1886) 735); — Participle מִשְׁתַּדַּר Daniel 6:15 he was striving, followed by Infinitive Topical Lexicon Lone Occurrence and Narrative Setting שְׁדַר appears once, in Daniel 6:14, within the Aramaic section of Daniel. The scene is the royal court of Darius the Mede. Having been trapped by his own irreversible edict, the king “set his mind on delivering Daniel” (Daniel 6:14). שְׁדַר conveys the king’s urgent resolve to act on Daniel’s behalf—his personal determination to secure release, even while bound by the unalterable “law of the Medes and Persians.” Historical Significance Daniel 6 records the clash between imperial law and the higher law of God. Persia’s administrative system prided itself on irrevocable decrees; once sealed, no human authority could retract them (Daniel 6:15). שְׁדַר highlights that even the most powerful monarch is ultimately helpless without divine intervention. The episode exposes the fragility of human sovereignty when confronted with heaven’s decree, a recurring theme in exilic literature (cf. Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:35). Theological Themes 1. Human impotence versus divine power Darius “labored until the sun went down to rescue him,” yet could not alter his own statute. God alone could send deliverance, accomplished later by shutting the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22). שְׁדַר thus underscores the contrast between human intention and divine capability. 2. Covenant faithfulness amid exile Daniel’s plight and God’s subsequent rescue affirm that covenant faithfulness is not nullified by geographical displacement. Though Israel was in exile, God remained present and active, vindicating those who trusted Him. 3. Immutability of divine law The unchangeable Persian law in the narrative hints at a higher, truly immutable standard—God’s own word. Earthly decrees, however stringent, are subordinate to the purposes of the Almighty (Psalm 33:10-11). Implications for Leadership Darius’s futile attempt to “send deliverance” illustrates that leaders, however sincere, are limited. Biblical wisdom counsels leaders to seek God’s counsel first (Proverbs 21:1) and recognize dependence on Him. The account encourages modern believers who serve in government or corporate spheres to uphold integrity, knowing that ultimate authority belongs to God. Ministry Applications • Intercession under pressure The king’s anxious striving mirrors many believers who wrestle in prayer for others’ deliverance. Daniel 6 encourages persistent intercession, while also teaching that final rescue rests with God. • Encouragement for the persecuted Daniel’s story, with שְׁדַר at its turning point, offers assurance that no decree, policy, or cultural pressure can thwart God’s power to save (Romans 8:31-39). • Gospel resonance Darius’s desire yet inability to rescue Daniel foreshadows the need for a greater King who can accomplish what human rulers cannot. Jesus Christ, the true Sovereign, both intends and is able to “deliver us from the domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). The limitation implicit in שְׁדַר directs the reader toward the unlimited efficacy of Christ’s atonement. Related Scriptural Echoes While שְׁדַר itself is unique to Daniel 6:14, the theme of God-delivered rescue permeates Scripture: Conclusion שְׁדַר captures a critical moment of royal resolve that nevertheless falls short without divine intervention. Its solitary appearance serves to magnify the supremacy of God over kings, laws, and circumstances, inviting believers of every age to trust the One who alone can truly send deliverance. Forms and Transliterations מִשְׁתַּדַּ֖ר משתדר miš·tad·dar mishtadDar mištaddarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:14 HEB: שִׁמְשָׁ֔א הֲוָ֥א מִשְׁתַּדַּ֖ר לְהַצָּלוּתֵֽהּ׃ NAS: sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue INT: of the sun kept exerting to rescue 1 Occurrence |
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