the same as מְחִתָּה in the sense of removal; a pan for live coals; censer, firepan, snuffdish.
Transliteration:machtâh
Pronunciation:makh-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term machtâh (`{{H4289}}`) primarily denotes a metallic pan or dish used for handling fire. Its base definition, "the same as mᵉḥittâh (`{{H4288}}`) in the sense of removal," suggests an etymological link to the root חָתַת (ḥātat, `{{H2865}}`), meaning "to be dismayed" or "broken." While this root connection might allude to the "removal" of ashes or the "breaking" of coals, the word's primary semantic range in biblical usage is consistently tied to a physical implement. It encompasses "censer" (a vessel for burning incense), "firepan" (for carrying live coals), and "snuffdish" (for removing burnt wicks or snuffing out lamps). The common thread uniting these definitions is the management and containment of fire or its byproducts within a sacred or practical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term machtâh appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, predominantly within the Pentateuch, specifically in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, where it is integral to the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle service.
* **Tabernacle/Temple Utensil:** The machtâh is listed among the essential utensils of the Tabernacle, alongside pots, shovels, basins, and forks ([[Exodus 27:3]], [[Exodus 38:3]]). These pans were used to remove ashes from the altar of burnt offering and to transport coals for various sacred purposes.
* **Incense Offering:** A crucial function of the machtâh was as a "censer" for offering incense. Priests were commanded to take fire from the altar of burnt offering in their censers to burn incense on the golden altar inside the Holy Place ([[Leviticus 16:12]], [[Numbers 16:6-7]]). This act was a vital part of the daily service and particularly significant on the Day of Atonement.
* **Divine Judgment and Holiness:** The machtâh features prominently in two pivotal narratives concerning divine judgment and the sanctity of worship:
* **Nadab and Abihu:** These sons of Aaron offered "strange fire" in their censers before the Lord, fire not commanded by God, resulting in their immediate consumption by divine fire ([[Leviticus 10:1]]). This event underscores the absolute necessity of strict adherence to God's commands regarding worship.
* **Korah's Rebellion:** In a challenge to Aaron's priesthood, Korah and his followers used censers to offer incense. God's judgment fell upon them, and the censers of the 250 men who offered unauthorized incense were commanded to be hammered into plates to overlay the altar, serving as a perpetual reminder of the exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the dangers of usurping divine authority ([[Numbers 16:16-18]], [[Numbers 16:37-39]]).
* **Practical Use:** While primarily associated with cultic activities, the term could also refer to a "snuffdish" used for the practical maintenance of lamps, such as those in the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25:38]], [[Exodus 37:23]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The machtâh is intricately linked to several key terms and theological concepts within the biblical narrative:
* **Fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`):** The very element the machtâh contains. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes both God's holy presence and His consuming judgment.
* **Altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, `{{H4196}}`):** The source of the sacred fire and the place where offerings, including incense, were made. The machtâh served as a conduit for fire from one altar to another.
* **Incense (קְטֹרֶת, `{{H7004}}`):** The aromatic substance burned in the censer, symbolizing prayer and often associated with atonement and divine favor.
* **Priesthood (כֹּהֵן, `{{H3548}}`):** The machtâh was a priestly implement, its use restricted to the consecrated priests, emphasizing their unique role as mediators between God and Israel.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, `{{H6944}}`):** The sacred nature of the machtâh and its use highlights the concept of holiness, the separation of that which is dedicated to God from the common.
* **Atonement (כָּפַר, `{{H3722}}`):** Particularly on Yom Kippur, the cloud of incense from the machtâh was crucial for covering the mercy seat, a ritual act of atonement for the sins of the people.
### Theological Significance
The machtâh is far more than a simple container; it is a potent symbol embedded within the theological fabric of Israel's worship.
* **Divine Holiness and Human Access:** The machtâh profoundly illustrates the absolute holiness of God and the strict, divinely ordained means by which humanity could approach Him. The tragic fates of Nadab and Abihu, and Korah's company, serve as stark warnings that God's holiness demands precise obedience in worship. Any deviation, any "strange fire," was an affront to His character and resulted in severe judgment.
* **Mediation and Atonement:** As the vessel for incense, the machtâh played a critical role in the symbolic act of prayer ascending to God and in the ritual of atonement. The cloud of incense, rising from the censer, served to cover the mercy seat, allowing the high priest to enter God's immediate presence without being consumed, thereby making expiation for the people's sins. This underscores the need for mediation and divine provision in bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
* **Exclusive Priesthood and Order:** The controversies surrounding the machtâh (especially Korah's rebellion) firmly established the exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood. The censers themselves, once used in rebellion, were transformed into a sacred overlay for the altar, perpetually testifying to the divinely appointed order and the severe consequences of disrupting it. This reinforces the principle that God's service must be conducted according to His prescribed pattern and by His chosen servants.
* **Symbol of Consecrated Service:** The machtâh represents the meticulous care and dedication required in serving God. Every implement, every action, within the Tabernacle and Temple system was consecrated and had a specific purpose, pointing to the glory and majesty of the One being worshipped.
### Summary
The Hebrew word machtâh (`{{H4289}}`) refers to a pan or censer, primarily a sacred vessel used in the Tabernacle and Temple for managing live coals and burning incense. Its biblical occurrences, concentrated in the Pentateuch, reveal its essential role in priestly duties, from removing ashes to offering daily and annual incense. The machtâh holds profound theological significance, serving as a tangible reminder of God's absolute holiness and the strict adherence required in approaching Him. Narratives such as those of Nadab and Abihu, and Korah's rebellion, underscore the severe consequences of unauthorized worship and the divine judgment that accompanies disobedience. Furthermore, as an instrument for incense, the machtâh symbolizes prayer ascending to God and the vital role of atonement in bridging the divide between a holy God and humanity. It is a powerful emblem of consecrated service and the precise, divinely ordained order of worship.
TRV