The Aramaic word minchâh, represented by H4504, corresponds to a sacrificial offering, oblation, or meat offering. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
The word's usage appears in two distinct contexts. In the book of Ezra, it is listed as one of the required sacrifices to be purchased and presented to God. These meat offerings were to be bought with money, alongside bullocks, rams, and lambs, and offered upon the altar H4056 at the house of God in Jerusalem Ezra 7:17. In contrast, in the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar commands that an oblation H4504 and sweet odours be offered to the prophet Daniel himself, following the king's act of worship toward him Daniel 2:46.
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context of a minchâh:
- H5261 nᵉçak (drink offering): Defined as a libation, this term appears alongside meat offerings H4504 as part of a complete sacrificial act Ezra 7:17.
- H4056 madbach (altar): This is the designated place for a sacrificial offering, where the meat offerings H4504 were to be brought before God Ezra 7:17.
- H5208 nîychôwach (sweet odour (savour)): This term for pleasure or a sweet savour is paired with the oblation H4504 commanded by Nebuchadnezzar for Daniel, indicating an offering of reverence Daniel 2:46.
The significance of H4504 is demonstrated by its two specific applications:
- Prescribed Temple Sacrifice: The term is used to describe a "meat offering" as a formal component of worship. It is part of a list of sacrifices to be funded and offered on the altar H4056 of God's house in Jerusalem, highlighting its role in the established religious system Ezra 7:17.
- Extraordinary Human Veneration: In a starkly different setting, the word is used for an "oblation" that a pagan king commands to be offered to a man. This act by Nebuchadnezzar shows the immense respect and worship he felt for Daniel Daniel 2:46.
In summary, H4504 is a specific term for a sacrificial gift. While its appearances are few, they capture the word's use in two powerful settings: one as a "meat offering" within the formal worship of God, and the other as an "oblation" in an unparalleled act of reverence directed at a human prophet.
TRV