Original Word: כְּרַז
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kraz
Pronunciation: keh-RAHZ
Phonetic Spelling: (ker-az')
KJV: make a proclamation
NASB: issued a proclamation
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) probably of Greek origin]
1. to proclaim
(Aramaic) probably of Greek origin; to proclaim -- make a proclamation.
כָּרְסֵא see כסא.
[フレーム]
The word denotes the act of issuing a public decree or proclamation. Its solitary biblical appearance occurs in the Aramaic section of Daniel, where it marks the moment a royal announcement is broadcast throughout the Babylonian court.
Biblical Occurrence and Context
Daniel 5:29 records the climax of Belshazzar’s ill-fated feast. Confronted with the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall, the king attempts to honor Daniel: "Then Belshazzar commanded that Daniel be clothed in purple, a gold chain be placed around his neck, and a proclamation be issued that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom" (Berean Standard Bible). The proclamation conveyed both reward and rank, yet it arrived on the eve of Babylon’s fall, underscoring the fleeting nature of human authority.
Historical Setting
The banquet in Daniel 5 likely occurred in 539 BC, the night Babylon surrendered to the Medo-Persian forces under Cyrus the Great and Darius the Mede (Daniel 5:30–31). Royal proclamations were common instruments of Near-Eastern governance, often issued orally by heralds and recorded in writing. Here the proclamation ironically comes from a ruler whose power is being stripped away even as he elevates Daniel.
Theological Significance
1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Decrees
The narrative contrasts Belshazzar’s proclamation with God’s prior verdict: "God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it" (Daniel 5:26). Earthly proclamations cannot overturn divine judgment.
2. Vindication of God’s Servant
Daniel, faithful under successive regimes (Daniel 1:8; 6:4), receives public recognition. The moment illustrates Proverbs 22:29, where skill leads to service before kings.
3. Reversal and Ephemerality
The honor bestowed is genuine yet transient; before dawn the kingdom changes hands. Scripture repeatedly sets human acclaim against the enduring kingdom of God (Psalm 145:13; Revelation 11:15).
Practical Ministry Application
• Proclamation is a spiritual discipline: preachers today stand as heralds of a far greater King (2 Timothy 4:2).
• Faithful service positions believers for God-ordained influence, though the esteem of men remains secondary (Galatians 1:10).
• The episode warns against resting in titles or offices that temporal powers grant.
Typological Insight
Daniel, exalted after interpreting the mystery, foreshadows Christ, to whom "the mystery hidden for ages" is revealed (Colossians 1:26) and who is proclaimed "King of kings" (Revelation 19:16). As Daniel received purple and gold, Jesus was robed in mock purple (Mark 15:17) yet ultimately enthroned in glory (Philippians 2:9-11).
Related Biblical Themes
• Royal Heralds: Esther 3:12-15; Ezra 1:1.
• Public Recognition of God’s Servants: Genesis 41:41-43; Acts 26:30-31.
• The Supremacy of God’s Decree: Isaiah 46:10; Romans 9:17.
Key Points for Study and Teaching
1. Human proclamations possess real but limited authority; God’s word remains final.
2. God honors steadfast faithfulness, even within hostile cultures.
3. The single use of this term sharpens its impact, spotlighting the tension between earthly pomp and divine purpose.
1 Occurrence
Strong's Hebrew 3745
1 Occurrence
wə·haḵ·ri·zū — 1 Occ.