### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **gᵉnaz**, represented by `{{H1596}}`, is defined as **treasure**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Ezra. Its usage specifically refers to a royal treasury or storehouse, a secure location for holding a king's valuable assets and official records.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1596}}` is central to the administrative events surrounding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. When questioned about their authority to rebuild, the Jewish elders ask that a search be made in the king's **treasure** house in Babylon to find the original decree from King Cyrus [[Ezra 5:17]]. In response, King Darius orders a search in the "house of the rolls, where the **treasures** were laid up" [[Ezra 6:1]]. Later, the term is used in a decree that provides funding for the temple, stating that any needs should be paid for out of the king's **treasure** house [[Ezra 7:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context of `{{H1596}}`:
* `{{H1240}}` **bᵉqar** (inquire, make search): This action is directly associated with the treasure house, as officials are commanded to **search** its contents for historical decrees ([[Ezra 5:17]], [[Ezra 6:1]]).
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king): The treasure house is always designated as belonging to the **king**, emphasizing that these vast resources are under royal authority and control ([[Ezra 5:17]], [[Ezra 7:20]]).
* `{{H5609}}` **çᵉphar** (a book; book, roll): The treasures are located in the "house of the rolls," showing that these repositories protected not only material wealth but also vital state documents and records [[Ezra 6:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1596}}` is demonstrated through its role in God's providential care for Israel.
* **Royal Provision for God's Work:** The narrative shows the wealth of a pagan king's **treasure** house being designated to supply whatever is needful for the house of God, illustrating how God directs earthly resources to fulfill His purposes [[Ezra 7:20]].
* **Preservation of God's Command:** The decree to rebuild God's house, an outworking of God's will, was preserved among the royal **treasures**. Its retrieval from the archives of Babylon validates the rebuilding effort and shows God's sovereignty over human record-keeping [[Ezra 6:1]].
* **Sovereignty Over Earthly Kingdoms:** The use of the Persian king's **treasure** to enact God's plan for Jerusalem demonstrates that the power and wealth of worldly empires are ultimately subject to God's authority [[Ezra 5:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1596}}` refers specifically to the royal treasuries of the Persian empire. While a simple administrative term, it plays a key role in the book of Ezra, functioning as the repository of both wealth and the legal decrees that enabled the restoration of God's house. It highlights a powerful theological truth: God's sovereign plan is accomplished using the very structures and resources of the world's most powerful rulers.
TRV