The Hebrew word ʻăzârâh, represented by H5835, is derived from a root meaning "surrounding" and refers to an inclosure, border, court, or settle. It appears 9 times across 6 unique verses, primarily in contexts describing architectural elements of the temple.
In the biblical narrative, H5835 is used to denote two specific structures. In Ezekiel's vision of the temple, it refers to the settle of the altar, a raised ledge or border with precise dimensions (Ezekiel 43:14, Ezekiel 43:17). This settle was a focal point for ritual purification, where blood was applied to its corners to cleanse and purge it Ezekiel 43:20. In 2 Chronicles, the word is translated as court. It describes the "great court" of Solomon's temple 2 Chronicles 4:9 and the area where Solomon placed a brasen scaffold to address the congregation 2 Chronicles 6:13.
Several related words clarify the context of H5835 within sacred architecture:
- H1004 bayith (house, temple): This word for God's house establishes the setting where the ʻăzârâh is found. The "settle" H5835 is a feature of the altar connected to the posts of the house H1004 Ezekiel 45:19.
- H2691 châtsêr (court, yard): Often used alongside H5835, this term helps define different enclosures. 2 Chronicles 4:9 mentions both "the court H2691 of the priests" and "the great court H5835," indicating distinct areas.
- H4196 mizbêach (altar): The term ʻăzârâh is directly connected to the altar, describing the "settle H5835 of the altar H4196" as a key component of its structure Ezekiel 45:19.
The use of H5835 highlights specific concepts related to worship and sacred space.
- Structured Worship: The precise measurements given for the settle H5835 (Ezekiel 43:14, Ezekiel 43:17) and its distinction from other courts 2 Chronicles 4:9 emphasize that access to God's presence is ordered and divinely structured.
- Ritual Consecration: As a place where sacrificial blood was applied for cleansing (Ezekiel 43:20, Ezekiel 45:19), the settle H5835 was essential for maintaining the holiness of the altar and the entire temple complex.
- Public Worship: The court H5835 served as a space for significant public acts of worship, as when Solomon stood on a scaffold within it to dedicate the temple before all the congregation of Israel 2 Chronicles 6:13.
In summary, H5835 is a specific architectural term rather than a general word for an enclosure. Whether defining the "settle" of the altar in Ezekiel's vision or the "great court" of Solomon's temple, it points to a consecrated space with a defined purpose. The word underscores the importance of order, purification, and designated areas within the sacred architecture of biblical worship.
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