The Aramaic word bath, represented by H1325, is a unit of measure for liquids. It is defined as "a bath or Hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids" and corresponds to its Hebrew counterpart. This specific term appears 2 times within 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The only scriptural context for H1325 is a royal decree documented in the book of Ezra. King Artaxerxes commands his treasurers to supply Ezra with necessary provisions for the temple. The decree specifies exact amounts, including "an hundred baths of wine, and an hundred baths of oil" Ezra 7:22. This highlights the word's function as a standard unit for quantifying large volumes of valuable liquids intended for sacred purposes.
Several related words provide context for the use and significance of the bath as a measure:
- H2562 chămar (wine): This is the specific liquid being measured by the bath in the decree. The provision of one hundred baths of wine underscores its importance for temple rites and sustenance Ezra 7:22.
- H4887 mᵉshach (oil): This term denotes the other crucial liquid quantified by the bath. Like wine, a hundred baths of oil were commanded, indicating its essential role in the provisions being supplied Ezra 7:22.
- H3734 kôr (cor, measure): This is a unit for dry goods that appears in the same list as the bath. It is used to quantify "an hundred measures of wheat," demonstrating a system of distinct, standardized units for liquid and dry provisions in the decree Ezra 7:22.
The significance of H1325 is primarily administrative and practical, rooted in its context of provisioning.
- Royal Provision: The use of a specific measure like the bath shows the magnitude of the king's support for the mission of Ezra and the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.
- Administrative Precision: The term highlights the detailed and bureaucratic nature of the Persian empire's decree. The order was not a vague promise but a specific list with exact quantities, ensuring its fulfillment.
- Valuable Resources: The items measured by the bath—wine and oil—were essential commodities for the temple's operations, including offerings and the support of the priests.
In summary, H1325 is a precise Aramaic term for a liquid measure. Its sole biblical appearance in Ezra 7:22 firmly places it within the context of royal administration and the large-scale provisioning of the temple. The word illustrates how standardized measurements were crucial for executing official commands and ensuring that the resources vital for worship were supplied in specific, generous quantities.
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