Original Word: סְעַד
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: c`ad
Pronunciation: say-ad
Phonetic Spelling: (seh-ad')
KJV: helping
NASB: supporting
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H5582 (סָעַד - sustain)]

1. to aid

helping

(Aramaic) corresponding to ca'ad; to aid -- helping.

see HEBREW ca'ad

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to saad
Definition
to support, sustain
NASB Translation
supporting (1).

[סְעַד] verb Pa`el support, sustain (ᵑ7 Zinjirli; see Biblical Hebrew); — Participle active plural מְסַעֲדִין לְהוֺן Ezra 5:2.

Biblical Setting

סְעַד appears once, in Ezra 5:2, during the account of the post-exilic return. The word paints a picture of active assistance: “Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them”. Here the prophets Haggai and Zechariah do more than speak; they stand beside the builders, embodying encouragement through tangible support.

Historical Context: Restoration Era

The Persian decree under Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) authorized the rebuilding of the temple, yet opposition stalled progress (Ezra 4:4-24). When prophetic voices re-ignite obedience (Ezra 5:1), סְעַד captures the renewed momentum. It signals a turning point from lethargy to cooperative action, uniting civic leaders, priests, and prophets in a single, God-given task. The solitary occurrence thus crystallizes the ethos of the Restoration: God’s work advances when His people strengthen one another.

Role of the Prophets as Co-laborers

Haggai calls the people to “be strong… and work, for I am with you” (Haggai 2:4). Zechariah promises that the temple “will be built” (Zechariah 6:12). Their presence on the construction site demonstrates prophecy in deed as well as word. The verb סְעַד affirms that spiritual leadership is incomplete without practical involvement. It also portrays a model of prophetic ministry that blends exhortation, oversight, and hands-on assistance, foreshadowing New Testament patterns of servant leadership (Acts 20:34-35).

Theological Emphasis on Divine and Human Cooperation

Throughout Scripture God’s purposes are fulfilled by means of human agency. Ezra 5:2 shows that divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility; rather, it energizes it. The prophets’ support underscores the truth later echoed in 1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are God’s fellow workers.” סְעַד therefore testifies to an enduring biblical principle: God supplies strength, yet expects His servants to extend that strength to others.

Echoes in the Broader Scriptural Canon

Although סְעַד itself is unique to Ezra 5:2, its theme reverberates:
• Exodus 17:12 — Aaron and Hur hold up Moses’ hands, assuring Israel’s victory.
• Nehemiah 4:16-21 — Half the workforce labors while the other half keeps watch, illustrating mutual support under threat.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 — “Two are better than one… For if one falls, the other can help him up.”
• Romans 15:1 — “We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak.”
• Hebrews 10:24 — “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.”

These passages map a biblical trajectory in which God’s people are called to steady and uplift one another for the accomplishment of His will.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Team Ministry: Pastors, teachers, and saints alike are summoned to labor side by side, recognizing that proclamation and participation must unite.
2. Encouragement Culture: Congregations that cultivate סְעַד create environments where obedience flourishes despite opposition.
3. Prophetic Service: Modern prophetic gifting should mirror Haggai and Zechariah, coupling exhortation with action, embodying the message before speaking it.
4. Leadership Development: Emerging leaders grow best when seasoned believers stand beside them, offering counsel, resources, and physical help.

Christological and Eschatological Reflections

Christ Himself epitomizes סְעַד. He not only “encourages” but literally “helps” by taking on flesh and bearing the cross (Hebrews 2:14-18). The Spirit continues this ministry as the Paraclete—One called alongside to assist (John 14:16). Eschatologically, Revelation 21:3 pictures God dwelling with humanity, the ultimate and eternal act of support, fulfilling every shadow cast by סְעַד.

Summary

While occurring only once, סְעַד illuminates a foundational biblical theme: divine purposes advance through believers who actively sustain one another. From the prophets on Jerusalem’s walls to the church in every age, the call remains—stand alongside, strengthen the hands that build, and thus display the faithful help of God Himself.

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