Original Word: עֲשִׁת
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `ashith
Pronunciation: ah-SHEETH
Phonetic Spelling: (ash-eeth')
KJV: think
NASB: planned
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H6245 (עָשַׁת - To be smooth)]

1. to purpose

think

(Aramaic) corresponding to ashath; to purpose -- think.

see HEBREW ashath

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to ashath
Definition
to think, plan
NASB Translation
planned (1).

[עֲשִׁת], עֲשִׁית (K^{§§ 38, 1 a); 17, 2. Anm. 2})

verb think, plan (Biblical Hebrew II. עשׁת (q. v.) as Aramaism; ᵑ7 אִתְעַשֵּׁת, not Syriac); — Perfect3masculine singular (strictly Passive participle Nö^{GGA 1884, 1019; Syr. Gr. § 280} M⁷⁸*) ׳ע Daniel 6:4, followed by infinitive, plan to so and so.

עֶת see כְּעֶת.

Occurrence

Daniel 6:3 records the solitary appearance of עֲשִׁת. “The king planned to set him over the whole kingdom” (Berean Standard Bible). The term captures the deliberate resolve of Darius to entrust Daniel with comprehensive authority.

Historical Setting

The event stands in the early years of the Medo-Persian supremacy over Babylon (circa 539 B.C.). Having inherited an immense bureaucracy, Darius sought dependable leadership. Daniel, already distinguished for decades of faithful service (Daniel 1–5), was recognized for “an extraordinary spirit.” The monarch’s intention (עֲשִׁת) to elevate an exiled Jew above native aristocrats ignited political jealousy and set the stage for the lions’-den crisis.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty in Human Deliberation

Though articulated as the king’s private plan, Scripture consistently portrays such intentions as ultimately governed by God. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). עֲשִׁת thus becomes a concrete instance of providential steering, affirming texts such as Psalm 75:6-7 and Daniel 2:21.

2. Reward for Faithful Excellence

Daniel’s imminent promotion parallels Joseph’s rise under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-41). In both narratives God honors integrity and spiritual insight within foreign administrations, demonstrating that steadfast righteousness can shape secular policy without compromise.

3. Conflict Between Kingdom Allegiances

The king’s plan generated the conspiracy of governors who manipulated imperial law to criminalize Daniel’s prayer life (Daniel 6:5-9). The episode illustrates how righteous influence often provokes opposition yet advances redemptive purposes (cf. Acts 5:29).

Ministry Significance

• Marketplace Leadership

Daniel models how believers can occupy top-tier governmental roles while maintaining uncompromised devotion, encouraging Christians to seek excellence and credibility in public vocations (Colossians 3:23-24).

• Spiritual Discernment in Administrative Planning

The word עֲשִׁת reminds ministers and leaders that every strategic decision—whether ecclesiastical or civic—carries moral and spiritual weight. Prayerful dependence on God’s wisdom (James 1:5) must undergird all human planning.

• Steadfast Witness Under Scrutiny

Daniel’s prospective appointment invites scrutiny that ultimately magnifies God’s deliverance (Daniel 6:22). Christian servants should expect their faithfulness to be tested yet trust divine vindication (1 Peter 2:12).

Intercanonical Echoes

Psalm 2:6-7 speaks of God’s eternal decree to install His King on Zion, anticipating the greater appointment of Jesus Christ. The temporal intent of Darius to “set” Daniel foreshadows the Father’s definitive installation of the Son over the universal kingdom (Matthew 28:18).

Practical Application

• Examine motives in leadership appointments, ensuring alignment with God’s righteousness.
• Cultivate a reputation for excellence that commends the gospel to authorities (Titus 2:10).
• Recognize that strategic roles opened by worldly rulers can become platforms for divine testimony.

Summary

Although עֲשִׁת appears only once, its context magnifies a pattern of God guiding human intention to exalt His faithful servant, confront unrighteous opposition, and display sovereign deliverance. For contemporary believers, it challenges each generation to steward positions of influence under the conscious awareness of God’s overruling purposes.

עֲשִׁ֔ית עשית ‘ă·šîṯ ‘ăšîṯ aShitInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts