Daniel 3:4
Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
Original Language Analysis
קָרֵ֣א
cried
H7123
קָרֵ֣א
cried
Strong's:
H7123
Word #:
2 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עַֽמְמַיָּ֔א
O people
H5972
עַֽמְמַיָּ֔א
O people
Strong's:
H5972
Word #:
6 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Daniel 4:1Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.Daniel 6:25Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.Micah 6:16For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern empires were multi-ethnic, governing conquered peoples of diverse languages and cultures. Royal decrees were proclaimed publicly in multiple languages (cf. Ezra 4:7). Heralds served as official messengers ensuring the king's words reached all subjects. The use of music in religious ceremonies was universal—psalms, hymns, and ritual chants accompanied worship in most ancient religions. Coordinating worship through musical cues created unity and emotional impact.
Questions for Reflection
- How is music used to manipulate compliance and bypass rational consideration of what is being demanded?
- What does the universal scope of the command teach about totalitarian states' intolerance of any exception or dissent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The herald's proclamation 'To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages' emphasizes the decree's universal scope. Babylonian empire's multi-ethnic character required explicit address to all groups. The command will demand worship 'when ye hear the sound of' musical instruments, coordinating mass compliance. Music's use in religious manipulation appears throughout history—sensory experience bypassing rational judgment to evoke emotional conformity. The herald represents governmental authority communicating non-negotiable demands with implicit threats.