The Hebrew word zâman, represented by H2163, is a primitive root meaning to fix (a time) or appoint. It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its specific and focused usage for designating scheduled events.
In its biblical usage, H2163 is consistently used to establish specific, scheduled occasions for carrying out important community and religious duties. In the book of Ezra, it sets the appointed times for dealing with the sin of taking strange H5237 wives H802 in order to turn H7725 away the fierce H2740 wrath H639 of God H430 Ezra 10:14. In Nehemiah, the term designates the times appointed for bringing the wood H6086 offering H7133 to the house H1004 of God H430 Nehemiah 10:34 and for providing the firstfruits H1061 Nehemiah 13:31, highlighting its role in organizing sacred observances.
Several related words help clarify the context of divinely scheduled activities:
- H6256 ʻêth (time): This word for "time" or "season" is paired with zâman in every instance, forming the phrase "appointed H2163 times H6256" (Ezra 10:14, Nehemiah 10:34, Nehemiah 13:31).
- H7133 qorbân (offering): This refers to something brought near the altar. The "appointed times" in Nehemiah were set specifically for the wood offering to be brought into the house of God Nehemiah 10:34.
- H1061 bikkûwr (firstfruits): These are the first-fruits of the crop. Nehemiah established appointed times for bringing not only the wood offering but also for the firstfruits Nehemiah 13:31.
- H8269 sar (ruler): The rulers of the congregation were to stand at the appointed times to oversee the judicial process of turning from sin Ezra 10:14.
The theological weight of H2163 is tied to the restoration of Israel after the exile.
- Covenantal Order: The use of zâman reflects a deliberate effort to re-establish order and faithfulness to God's law. The scheduling of offerings "year H8141 by year H8141" Nehemiah 10:34 was part of restoring the rhythm of worship.
- Corporate Repentance: The "appointed times" in Ezra were a structured mechanism for the entire community to collectively address sin and restore its relationship with God, showing that repentance was a communal and organized act Ezra 10:14.
- Divine Providence in Time: By fixing times for sacred duties like the wood offering and firstfruits, the community acknowledged God's sovereignty over their time and resources, dedicating specific moments to His service and remembrance Nehemiah 13:31.
In summary, H2163 is a specific term that, while rare, carries significant meaning in the context of Israel's restoration. It moves beyond a general sense of time to signify a fixed, appointed moment for a crucial action. Its use in Ezra and Nehemiah shows how the practical act of scheduling was employed to implement spiritual renewal, organize corporate worship, and fulfill covenantal obligations in a deliberate and orderly fashion.
TRV