### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5393}}`) is explicitly defined as a variant or alternative form of לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, `{{H3957}}`). Its core meaning denotes "a cell" or "a chamber." This refers to a distinct, often enclosed, room or compartment within a larger building or complex. While the base meaning is straightforwardly architectural, its specific usage in the biblical text imbues it with significant contextual and theological weight, particularly concerning its function within sacred spaces. The term implies a designated space, often for specific purposes such as storage, dwelling, or administrative functions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5393}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Nehemiah, specifically in chapter 13. Its occurrences are deeply embedded in the narrative of Nehemiah's efforts to restore the purity and proper functioning of the Temple in Jerusalem after the return from exile.
In [[Nehemiah 13:7]], Nehemiah recounts his return to Jerusalem and his discovery of the egregious act committed by Eliashib the priest: "Then I came to Jerusalem, and understood the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber (נִשְׁכָּה) in the courts of the house of God." This verse highlights the profound transgression: a sacred chamber within the Temple precincts, designed for holy purposes, was allocated to Tobiah the Ammonite, an adversary of Israel and a Gentile, thereby defiling the holy space.
[[Nehemiah 13:8]] continues: "But it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber (נִשְׁכָּה)." Nehemiah's immediate and forceful action underscores the gravity of the defilement. The "chamber" here is not merely a room but a space whose sanctity had been violated.
Finally, [[Nehemiah 13:9]] concludes this episode: "Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers (לִשְׁכוֹת, the plural of `{{H3957}}`): and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense." While this verse uses the more common form `{{H3957}}` (lishkôt), it refers to the same category of rooms, emphasizing that these chambers were intended for the storage of holy vessels, offerings, and other items essential for the Temple service. The cleansing of these nishkâh/lishkâh chambers was a crucial step in re-establishing the holiness and order of the House of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, `{{H3957}}`), which נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5393}}`) is explicitly noted to be a form of. לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh) is a much more common term, appearing frequently in the books of Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, almost exclusively in the context of the Temple or palace complexes. These chambers served various functions:
* **Storage:** For tithes, offerings, holy vessels, and priestly garments (e.g., [[Nehemiah 10:38]], [[Nehemiah 13:5]], [[2 Chronicles 31:11]]).
* **Dwelling/Working Spaces:** For priests, Levites, scribes, or other temple personnel (e.g., [[Jeremiah 35:2]], [[Jeremiah 36:12]], [[1 Chronicles 9:26]]).
* **Administrative Spaces:** For meetings or official functions.
Other related concepts include:
* **קדש (qodesh, `{{H6944}}`):** Holiness, sacredness, as these chambers were part of the holy Temple complex.
* **טָהוֹר (tahor, `{{H2889}}`):** Purity, cleanliness, highlighted by Nehemiah's command to cleanse the chambers.
* **מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash, `{{H4720}}`):** Sanctuary, referring to the Temple itself, of which these chambers were an integral part.
* **בַּיִת (bayit, `{{H1004}}`):** House, often referring to the "House of God" or Temple.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5393}}`) is deeply tied to its role within the Temple and the broader theme of holiness and defilement. As part of the divine dwelling place, these chambers were not merely utilitarian spaces but were consecrated for the service of God.
1. **Sanctity of Sacred Space:** The defilement of a nishkâh by Tobiah underscores the critical importance of maintaining the holiness of the Temple. The Temple was God's dwelling among His people, and its purity was paramount for the ongoing covenant relationship. Allowing an unrighteous outsider to occupy a sacred chamber was an affront to God's presence and the integrity of the worship system.
2. **Order and Administration of Worship:** These chambers were essential for the proper functioning of the cultic system. They housed the tithes, offerings, and sacred vessels, ensuring that the priests and Levites had the necessary resources and space to perform their duties. Their misuse or neglect directly impeded the prescribed worship of Yahweh.
3. **Restoration and Purity:** Nehemiah's decisive action to cast out Tobiah's possessions and cleanse the chambers represents a powerful act of spiritual restoration. It symbolizes the re-establishment of proper boundaries between the holy and the profane, and the commitment to uphold God's standards of purity within His house. This act was not merely administrative but deeply theological, signifying a return to faithfulness and reverence.
4. **Leadership Responsibility:** The incident also highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders (like Eliashib) to safeguard the sanctity of God's house and the accountability of those who fail in this duty. Nehemiah's zeal for the Lord's house serves as a model for righteous leadership.
### Summary
The Hebrew term נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5393}}`), a variant of לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, `{{H3957}}`), refers to a "cell" or "chamber" within a larger structure, particularly within the Temple complex. Its limited but potent appearances in [[Nehemiah 13:7-9]] reveal its crucial role in the administration and sanctity of the House of God. These chambers were designated for the storage of holy vessels and offerings, vital for the proper functioning of Temple worship. The defilement of such a nishkâh by Tobiah the Ammonite represents a significant theological transgression, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining the purity and holiness of sacred space. Nehemiah's subsequent cleansing of these chambers underscores the necessity of restoring proper order and reverence in divine worship, serving as a powerful symbol of spiritual renewal and uncompromising devotion to God's standards.
TRV