The Hebrew word milluʼ, represented by H4394, describes a "fulfilling." It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is twofold: the literal act of setting precious gems and the technical, ceremonial act of consecration, particularly in the context of dedicating priests and sacrifices to the service of the LORD H3068.
In its literal sense, H4394 refers to the "stones to be set" for sacred items. These include onyx H7718 stones H68 and other precious H3368 gems prepared for the house H1004 of God H430 1 Chronicles 29:2. This usage is also prominent in the instructions for crafting the high priest's garments, specifically the stones H68 to be set in the ephod H646 and the breastplate H2833 Exodus 25:7. More frequently, the term is used technically for the consecration of Aaron H175 and his sons H1121. The "ram H352 of consecration" is a central part of this ceremony Exodus 29:22, and its flesh H1320 and associated bread H3899 are considered holy H6944 (Exodus 29:31, Exodus 29:34).
Several related words illuminate the concept of consecration:
- H4390 mâlêʼ (to fill, be full of, consecrate): As the root word for H4394, it directly means "to fill" or "consecrate." It is used to describe the completion of the consecration period, showing that the seven H7651 days H3117 of the priests' consecration H4394 must be fulfilled Leviticus 8:33.
- H6942 qâdash (consecrate, dedicate, sanctify): This word describes the act of making something holy. It is used in direct parallel with H4394, as when Moses H4872 is commanded to sanctify H6942 parts of the ram H352 of consecration H4394 Exodus 29:27.
- H352 ʼayil (ram, strength): The ram is the specified animal for the dedicatory sacrifice of consecration. The phrase "ram H352 of consecration H4394" appears multiple times, highlighting the strength and significance of this particular offering in setting the priests apart Leviticus 8:22.
The theological weight of H4394 is centered on the requirements for sacred service.
- Priestly Ordination: The consecration H4394 is the formal process that sets apart Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 for their unique role as priests. This involves specific sacrifices, such as the "ram H352 of consecration," upon which they lay H5564 their hands H3027 Leviticus 8:22.
- Ritual Purity and Holiness: The consecration H4394 rituals create a state of holiness H6944. The remains of the consecrated flesh H1320 and bread H3899 must be burned H8313 with fire H784 and not eaten H398, because they are holy Exodus 29:34. This underscores the separation between the sacred and the profane.
- A Pleasing Offering: The sacrifices associated with consecration H4394 are presented as an offering made by fire H801 that produces a "sweet H5207 savour H7381" to the LORD H3068, signifying divine acceptance of the priests' dedication Leviticus 8:28.
In summary, H4394 is a highly specific term that ties together the concepts of fulfilling, setting, and dedicating. Whether referring to the careful setting of a stone H68 in the high priest's breastplate H2833 or the multi-day ritual for consecrating a priest for service, it signifies a permanent and holy placement. The word illustrates how both physical craftsmanship and spiritual dedication are brought together and "set apart" for the service of God H430.
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