Lexical Summary shilton: rulers Original Word: שִׁלְטוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ruler (Aramaic) or shilton {shil-tone'}; corresponding to shiltown -- ruler. see HEBREW shiltown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to shilton Definition governor NASB Translation rulers (2). Topical Lexicon Etymology and Linguistic Background Derived from the Aramaic root שׁלט (to rule, have power), שִׁלְטוֹן denotes a person invested with delegated civil authority. The cognate noun “dominion” (שָׁלְטָן) appears elsewhere in Daniel, but שִׁלְטוֹן is restricted to officials in the Aramaic portion of the book (Daniel 2 – 7). The word highlights not abstract power but an office-holder whose authority is conferred by a higher throne. Occurrences in Scripture • Daniel 3:2 – Nebuchadnezzar “summoned the satraps, prefects, governors (שִׁלְטֹנַיָּא), advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the authorities of the provinces.” In both verses the term is rendered “governors” or “rulers of the provinces,” underscoring their executive responsibility over regional affairs within the Babylonian Empire. Historical Context in Daniel Nebuchadnezzar’s dedication of the golden image (circa early sixth century B.C.) functioned as a loyalty test for the imperial bureaucracy. By listing each tier of administration, the narrative stresses the empire-wide scope of the decree. The שִׁלְטוֹן governed provinces (מְדִינָה), acting as the king’s representatives. Archaeological parallels from Neo-Babylonia and later Achaemenid Persia confirm a multi-layered hierarchy: 1. Satraps – chief provincial administrators Their presence at Dura reveals how state power may be harnessed for idolatry, setting the stage for the faithful stand of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Theological Themes 1. Delegated Authority under Divine Sovereignty “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21). Human offices, including שִׁלְטוֹן, exist only by God’s appointment. The command to worship the image shows authority can be corrupted when severed from God’s law. The governors obeyed the summons; the Hebrew exiles obeyed God. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us” (Daniel 3:17). Their courage illustrates the believer’s priority: when earthly authority contradicts divine command, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Practical and Ministry Applications • Teach respect for government as God’s servant (Romans 13:1-7) while preparing believers to refuse any mandate that violates worship owed to the Lord alone. Christological and Eschatological Connections The temporary jurisdiction of a שִׁלְטוֹן contrasts sharply with the everlasting dominion granted to the Son of Man: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away” (Daniel 7:14). Earthly governors remind the reader that all power points forward to, and will ultimately be superseded by, the righteous reign of Jesus Christ (Revelation 11:15). Related Biblical Concepts • Hebrew מַמְלָכָה (kingdom), מֶמְשָׁלָה (rule) Together they form a canonical theology of authority: its source in God, its delegation to humans, its distortion by sin, and its final restoration in Christ. Summary of Insights שִׁלְטוֹן appears sparingly yet strategically, portraying provincial governors whose compliance with idolatrous policy contrasts with the steadfast faith of God’s people. The term invites reflection on the nature, limits, and accountability of civil authority, urging believers to honor rightful governance while reserving ultimate allegiance for the Lord of all dominion. Forms and Transliterations שִׁלְטֹנֵ֣י שלטני shiltoNei šil·ṭō·nê šilṭōnêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:2 HEB: תִּפְתָּיֵ֔א וְכֹ֖ל שִׁלְטֹנֵ֣י מְדִֽינָתָ֑א לְמֵתֵא֙ NAS: and all the rulers of the provinces KJV: and all the rulers of the provinces, INT: the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come Daniel 3:3 2 Occurrences |
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