דַּחֲוָה

דַּחֲוָה

probably a musical instrument (as being struck)

Definition

The Hebrew word דַּחֲוָה (dachăvâh) is an Aramaic noun that appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 6:18. It refers to a musical instrument, likely one that is struck or percussive in nature, as suggested by its derivation from a root meaning 'to thrust' or 'to strike.' The context in Daniel describes King Darius bringing these 'instruments of music' into the scene of Daniel's night in the lions' den, implying they were part of the royal court's ensemble. Given its singular occurrence and Aramaic origin, its precise identification (e.g., drum, tambourine, cymbal) remains uncertain, but it clearly denotes a device used to produce sound, probably for solemn or ceremonial purposes.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. In Daniel 6:18, it describes the 'instruments of music' that King Darius orders to be brought to him as he spends a sleepless night fasting and worrying about Daniel, who has been cast into the lions' den. The usage is in a royal, Persian court setting, highlighting the king's distress and the solemn, perhaps mournful, atmosphere. There are no other biblical occurrences, making its usage pattern unique to this specific narrative context.

Etymology

The word דַּחֲוָה (dachăvâh) is of Aramaic origin, not classical Hebrew, reflecting the language of the court in the book of Daniel. It is derived from the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew root דָּחָה (dāḥâ, H1760), which means 'to thrust,' 'push,' or 'strike.' This etymological connection suggests the instrument was one played by being struck or beaten, such as a drum or tambourine. The development from a verb meaning 'to strike' to a noun for a musical instrument is a common semantic shift in many languages for percussion instruments.

Semantic Range

In the cultural context of Daniel 6:18, set in the Persian Empire, musical instruments were integral to royal life, used for entertainment, ceremony, and even expressions of mourning. The specific instrument, דַּחֲוָה, while not precisely identifiable today, would have been part of the court's musical repertoire. Its mention underscores the gravity of the king's emotional state—his use of music here is not for celebration but likely as a somber accompaniment to his fasting and anxiety, reflecting a cultural practice where music could set a tone for reflection or distress, differing from some modern associations of music primarily with joy. כִּנּוֹר (kinnôr, H3658) — a lyre or harp, a stringed instrument, not percussive. תֹּף (tōph, H8596) — a timbrel or tambourine, a hand-drum, explicitly a struck instrument. צֶלְצֶל (tseltsel, H6767) — a cymbal, a metallic percussion instrument.

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