### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **machtâh**, represented by `{{H4289}}`, is a term for a **pan for live coals**, also translated as **censer**, **firepan**, or **snuffdish**. It appears 22 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. The word primarily refers to a vessel designed for the removal or handling of coals, incense, or trimmings from wicks as part of sacred rituals and temple service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H4289}}` varies depending on its context. As a **censer**, it was a critical instrument for offering incense. Nadab and Abihu improperly used their **censers** to offer strange fire, resulting in judgment [[Leviticus 10:1]]. Conversely, Aaron used a **censer** with fire from the altar to make atonement and stop a plague [[Numbers 16:46]]. As a **firepan**, it was listed among the brass vessels made for the altar ([[Exodus 27:3]], [[Exodus 38:3]]). As a **snuffdish**, it was a pure gold implement used alongside tongs for servicing the golden candlestick [[Exodus 25:38]]. The censers of Korah's rebellious company were hammered into broad plates to cover the altar as a warning sign [[Numbers 16:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and context of **machtâh**:
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): A **censer** was used to hold **fire** taken from a holy source for burning incense. Aaron was commanded to take a censer and put **fire** in it from off the altar [[Numbers 16:46]].
* `{{H7004}}` **qᵉṭôreth** (incense): This was the aromatic substance burned in the censer as an offering. During the rebellion of Korah, the 250 men were instructed to put **incense** in their censers [[Numbers 16:17]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): The **altar** was the source of the holy fire for the censers and the place where the firepans were used. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest took a censer full of burning coals from the **altar** before the Lord [[Leviticus 16:12]].
* `{{H4457}}` **melqâch** (tongs): This word refers to tweezers or tongs, which were companion tools to the **snuffdishes** (machtâh) for maintaining the lamps of the candlestick [[Exodus 25:38]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4289}}` is significant, highlighting themes of worship, authority, and judgment.
* **Vessel of Atonement:** The censer was a key instrument for mediation. Aaron's quick use of the **censer** with incense successfully made an atonement for the people and stopped a deadly plague [[Numbers 16:46]].
* **Symbol of Priesthood:** The right to use a censer to offer incense was a mark of priestly authority. The rebellion of Korah centered on this privilege, and the test involving 250 **censers** was used to affirm God's chosen priests [[Numbers 16:6-7]].
* **Indicator of Holiness and Judgment:** Proper use of the **censer** was a matter of life and death. The "strange fire" offered by Nadab and Abihu in their **censers** led to their immediate demise [[Leviticus 10:1]]. The **censers** of the sinners in Korah's rebellion were declared hallowed and repurposed as a covering for the altar, serving as a permanent sign [[Numbers 16:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4289}}` is more than just a pan. Whether a **censer** for incense, a **firepan** for the altar, or a **snuffdish** for the candlestick, it was an object deeply embedded in the sacred rituals of Israel. It represents the solemn responsibility of approaching a holy God, functioning as a tool for atonement when used correctly and a catalyst for judgment when used in disobedience. Its various uses illustrate the precision and sanctity required in divine worship.
TRV