### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Môsheh**, represented by `{{H4873}}`, is the name for **Moses**, identified as the Israelite lawgiver. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole appearance serves to anchor a pivotal action to the foundational authority of the law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical use, `{{H4873}}` provides the legal and historical basis for the organization of the temple service in Jerusalem after the exile. The text states that the priests and Levites were established in their roles for the service of God "as it is written in the book of **Moses**" [[Ezra 6:18]]. This demonstrates that the restored community was grounding its religious and civic life in the written Mosaic law.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words from its context clarify the meaning of this reference:
* `{{H5609}}` **çᵉphar** (a book; book, roll): This specifies the form of the authority as a physical text, the "book of Moses" [[Ezra 6:18]].
* `{{H3792}}` **kᵉthâb** (something written, i.e. a writing, record or book): This term emphasizes that the instructions being followed are permanent and unchangeable because they are "written" [[Ezra 6:18]].
* `{{H3549}}` **kâhên** (one officiating, a priest): The instructions in the book of Moses are shown to be directly relevant to the duties and organization of the **priests** [[Ezra 6:18]].
* `{{H3879}}` **Lêvîy** (Levite): Along with the priests, the **Levites** were organized for service according to the same written authority established by Moses [[Ezra 6:18]].
* `{{H6966}}` **qûwm** (to rise... establish, make... set (up)): This word describes the action of establishing the priests and Levites, an act given legitimacy by the book of Moses [[Ezra 6:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4873}}` is derived entirely from its context in Ezra:
* **Scriptural Authority:** The reference to the "book of Moses" establishes the principle of written scripture as the ultimate guide for worship and community structure [[Ezra 6:18]]. The actions taken are not based on human invention but on recorded divine instruction.
* **Covenant Continuity:** By organizing the temple service according to the law of Moses, the post-exilic community demonstrated its identity as the continuation of Israel, faithful to the original covenant.
* **Divine Order in Worship:** The passage shows that the roles of the priests and Levites were to be set according to a specific, divinely ordained plan, as recorded through Moses, ensuring that the service of God was performed correctly.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H4873}}` appears only once, its significance is immense. It functions as a direct appeal to the authority of **Moses** as the lawgiver and to the written word as the foundation for Israel's religious life. This single use in Ezra validates the restoration of temple worship by connecting it directly to the commands recorded in the "book of Moses," underscoring the enduring power of the law.
TRV