### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV