### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) is derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." Its core meaning consistently refers to an animal sacrifice, or the act of offering such a sacrifice, within a religious or cultic context. As the Aramaic cognate of the more common Hebrew zevaḥ (זֶבַח, `{{H2077}}`), its semantic range is quite focused, specifically denoting an offering made by the killing of an animal. It does not extend to other forms of offerings like grain or drink offerings, unless used in a general sense encompassing the broader sacrificial system.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Being an Aramaic word, dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Ezra, which details the post-exilic return and temple rebuilding. Its occurrences are crucial for understanding the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.
* **Ezra 6:3**: In Cyrus's decree concerning the rebuilding of the temple, he states, "Let the house be built, the place where they may offer sacrifices" (בֵּית דִּבְחִין, *beit divḥin*, "house of sacrifices"). Here, dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) designates the temple as the prescribed location for ritual offerings.
* **Ezra 6:6**: Darius's decree to Tattenai instructs him to allow the Jewish elders to "offer sacrifices" (יַעְבְּדוּן דִּבְחִין, *yaʿbᵉdûn divḥin*, "they may perform sacrifices") to the God of heaven. This highlights the state's recognition and support for the re-establishment of Jewish worship.
* **Ezra 6:7**: The decree reiterates the command to permit the Jews to rebuild the temple and offer "sacrifices" (דִּבְחִין, *divḥin*) there. This emphasizes the centrality of sacrificial worship to the restored community.
* **Ezra 6:17**: This verse describes the dedication of the rebuilt temple, stating that "they offered sacrifices" (הַקְרִיבוּ דִּבְחִין, *haqrîvû divḥin*) for the dedication. The specific offerings mentioned are numerous bulls, rams, lambs, and goats for a sin offering, illustrating the practical application of the term to various animal sacrifices.
In all these contexts, dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) refers to legitimate, divinely sanctioned animal sacrifices offered to the God of Israel. The consistent usage underscores the importance of these offerings for the spiritual life and identity of the post-exilic community, often facilitated by the decrees of Persian kings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic and conceptual parallel to dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) is its Hebrew counterpart, zevaḥ (זֶבַח, `{{H2077}}`), which also means "sacrifice" and is derived from the verb zābaḥ (זָבַח, `{{H2076}}`, "to slaughter, sacrifice"). These terms are interchangeable in meaning, reflecting the close relationship between Hebrew and Aramaic.
Beyond this direct parallel, dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) is part of a broader vocabulary of cultic offerings in the Old Testament, each with specific nuances:
* ʿōlāh (עֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`): The burnt offering, entirely consumed by fire.
* šᵉlāmîm (שְׁלָמִים, `{{H8002}}`): The peace offering, often shared between God, the priest, and the worshiper.
* ḥaṭṭāʾt (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`): The sin offering, for unintentional sins.
* ʾāšām (אָשָׁם, `{{H817}}`): The guilt offering, for specific offenses requiring restitution.
* minḥāh (מִנְחָה, `{{H4503}}`): The grain offering, distinct from animal sacrifices.
While dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) is a general term for animal sacrifice, its usage in Ezra indicates the re-establishment of the full range of these offerings as part of the restored temple service. The concept of sacrifice itself is foundational to ancient Near Eastern religions, serving as a means of worship, propitiation, atonement, and communion with the divine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) in Ezra is profound, primarily centering on the **restoration of covenant worship** after the Babylonian exile. The decrees from pagan kings to fund and permit these sacrifices underscore God's **sovereignty over all nations** and His providential working to ensure His people could resume their prescribed worship. The ability to offer dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) meant the re-establishment of the primary means for Israel to approach God, seek atonement, express gratitude, and maintain fellowship with Him.
The sacrifices were not merely ritualistic acts but were intended to be a "sweet savour unto the God of heaven" [[Ezra 6:10]], demonstrating genuine devotion and an acknowledgment of God's authority. The act of offering dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) was also seen as a means to pray for the well-being of the ruling authorities [[Ezra 6:10]], signifying the theological understanding that blessings flow from God through proper worship.
From a broader biblical theological perspective, the entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) mentioned in Ezra, points forward to the **ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ**. His death on the cross is understood as the once-for-all dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) that fully atones for sin, fulfilling and superseding all previous animal sacrifices [[Hebrews 9:11-14]], [[Hebrews 10:1-14]]. The restoration of sacrifices in Ezra, therefore, serves as a vital historical and theological link in the redemptive narrative, anticipating the final and complete work of Christ.
### Summary
The Aramaic term dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) refers specifically to an animal "sacrifice" or the act of offering it. Its occurrences are limited to the book of Ezra, where it plays a critical role in describing the re-establishment of the sacrificial system in the rebuilt Jerusalem Temple after the Babylonian exile. Contextual analysis reveals that dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) signifies legitimate, divinely sanctioned offerings, often facilitated by the decrees of Persian kings, highlighting God's sovereign control over historical events. Theologically, dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) underscores the restoration of covenant worship, the importance of atonement and fellowship with God, and ultimately foreshadows the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which renders all previous dᵉbach (דְּבַח, `{{H1685}}`) obsolete through its complete efficacy.
TRV