Lexical Summary izqah: Azekah Original Word: עִזְקָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance signet (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to azaq; a signet-ring (as engraved) -- signet. see HEBREW azaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to azaq Definition a signet ring NASB Translation signet ring (1), signet rings (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עִזְקָה] noun feminine signet-ring (ᵑ7 Syriac; √ עזק = surroung, see Biblical Hebrew); — suffix עִזְקְתֵהּ Daniel 6:18; plural construct קָת- Daniel 6:18. Topical Lexicon Term Overview Izqa denotes a royal signet ring used for sealing. It stands behind a broader biblical theme in which an impressed seal guarantees ownership, unchangeable authority, and inviolable security. Occurrences Daniel 6:17 twice: “the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles”. The dual use stresses personal and collective ratification of the decree. Historical and Cultural Background In Persian practice a seal, usually carved stone set in a ring, was pressed into clay or wax on documents, doors, or stones. Possession of the ring meant control; breaking the seal without authorization carried severe penalties (cf. Esther 3:12–13). Function in Daniel 6 1. Confirms the irrevocability of the Medo-Persian law (Daniel 6:8, 15). When Darius later removes the seal and finds Daniel alive (Daniel 6:23), the miracle is formally authenticated. Scriptural Parallels Genesis 41:42 – Pharaoh’s ring transfers authority to Joseph. Esther 3:10; 8:8 – Ahasuerus’ seal enforces imperial edicts. Jeremiah 22:24 – A signet can be cast off in judgment. Haggai 2:23 – Zerubbabel portrayed as God’s signet, a pledge of messianic hope. Matthew 27:66 – Jesus’ tomb secured by a seal; God breaks it in resurrection power. Theological Themes Authority – Human seals symbolize rule; God’s supremacy overrules them (Daniel 6:22). Security – A sealed den/tomb is powerless before the Lord who rescues (Daniel 6:27; Matthew 28:2). Immutability – The unalterable Persian decree foreshadows the reliability of God’s word (Psalm 119:89). Vindication – The sealed den becomes the stage for Daniel’s public vindication, prefiguring Christ’s resurrection. New Covenant Fulfillment Ephesians 1:13 – Believers are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22 – The Spirit’s seal is God’s guarantee of redemption. Revelation 7:2-3 – God seals His servants for protection. The Spirit functions as the divine izqa: an unbreakable mark of ownership and destiny. Ministry Applications Assurance – As no power could alter the sealed decree against Daniel, no force can breach the Spirit’s seal on God’s people (John 10:28-29). Witness – Daniel’s faithfulness under an irrevocable law led a pagan king to glorify God (Daniel 6:26-27). Integrity – “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19); the seal calls believers to depart from iniquity. Leadership – Just as nobles shared in sealing the den, Christian leaders safeguard the gospel, ensuring its purity and unaltered transmission (2 Timothy 1:14). Summary Izqa, though limited to a single verse, encapsulates profound biblical truths: the sovereignty of God over earthly authority, His power to preserve and vindicate the righteous, and the unbreakable security He grants in Christ through the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Forms and Transliterations בְּעִזְקְתֵ֗הּ בעזקתה וּבְעִזְקָת֙ ובעזקת bə‘izqəṯêh bə·‘iz·qə·ṯêh beizkeTeh ū·ḇə·‘iz·qāṯ ūḇə‘izqāṯ uveizKatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:17 HEB: וְחַתְמַ֨הּ מַלְכָּ֜א בְּעִזְקְתֵ֗הּ וּבְעִזְקָת֙ רַבְרְבָנ֔וֹהִי NAS: sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings KJV: sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet INT: sealed and the king signet ring of his nobles Daniel 6:17 2 Occurrences |
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