Lexical Summary sheleh: Ease, prosperity, security Original Word: שְׁלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance at rest (Aramaic) corresponding to shalah; to be secure -- at rest. see HEBREW shalah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to shalah Definition at ease NASB Translation ease (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁלֵה adjective at ease (Egyptian Aramaic Cooke210); — הֲוֵית בְּ ׳שׁ Daniel 4:1 I was at ease in my house. — Daniel 3:29 see following. Topical Lexicon Context in Daniel The solitary appearance of שְׁלָה occurs in Nebuchadnezzar’s personal testimony: “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace” (Daniel 4:4). The Babylonian emperor speaks from a period of calm after his wars and vast building projects. The word captures a settled, prosperous serenity that appears unassailable—until the dream that follows shatters the illusion. Daniel records this scene to highlight the contrast between human complacency and God’s unchallenged sovereignty. Rest and Security in Scripture Although this particular term surfaces only once, its theme threads through Scripture. Seasons of quiet and prosperity are repeatedly portrayed as gifts that can be swiftly withdrawn or redirected by the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:11–18; Job 3:26; Psalm 30:6–7; Jeremiah 22:21). Old Testament history moves in cycles where apparent stability is followed by divine intervention, teaching that genuine security is anchored in covenant faithfulness rather than circumstance (Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 32:17–18). False Security versus True Rest Nebuchadnezzar’s “ease” mirrors the deceptive calm Paul warns about: “While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Jesus likewise exposes the peril of self-assured prosperity in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21). By contrast, authentic rest is promised to those who trust the Lord: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Hebrews 4:9-11 presses believers to enter that rest through faith and obedience, avoiding the complacency that overtook Israel in the wilderness. Relation to the Character of God God graciously grants times of peace, yet remains free to disturb them for redemptive purposes. Nebuchadnezzar’s upheaval was neither capricious nor punitive alone; it was corrective and revelatory. The king’s later confession—“His dominion is an everlasting dominion” (Daniel 4:34)—shows that God employs disrupted ease to reveal His glory. Thus שְׁלָה serves as a subtle reminder that tranquility is safest when it rests under God’s rule. Prophetic Resonances Prophets often confront societies lulled by comfort. Ezekiel rebukes those “living in carefree confidence” (Ezekiel 30:9), and Amos warns the complacent in Zion (Amos 6:1). Daniel 4 supplies a paradigm: divine disturbance of worldly peace anticipates the final Day when every kingdom will acknowledge heaven’s authority (Revelation 11:15). Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Gratitude: Seasons of calm invite worship, not self-exaltation (1 Timothy 6:17). Worship and Prayer Reflections Prayers might echo Psalm 16:9, rejoicing in safety, while surrendering with Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hands.” Hymns that celebrate God’s providence fit naturally when congregations recall that any present שְׁלָה is both gift and stewardship. Summary שְׁלָה in Daniel 4:4 crystallizes a universal biblical lesson: earthly ease is precarious when detached from reverence for God. Scripture consistently calls believers to enjoy peace as a sign of divine favor yet remain vigilant, humble, and anchored in the unshakeable kingdom of Christ. Forms and Transliterations שְׁלֵ֤ה שלה šə·lêh šəlêh sheLehLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:4 HEB: אֲנָ֣ה נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֗ר שְׁלֵ֤ה הֲוֵית֙ בְּבֵיתִ֔י NAS: I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house KJV: was at rest in mine house, INT: I Nebuchadnezzar ease was my house |
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