The Aramaic word ʻălâh, represented by H5928, corresponds to the term for a burnt offering or holocaust. It is a rare word, appearing just 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible.
In its sole biblical appearance, H5928 is found within a royal decree concerning the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The decree commands that resources be provided for the priests, specifically mentioning "young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven" Ezra 6:9. This highlights its use in an official, administrative context related to the proper execution of sacrificial worship.
Several words appear alongside H5928 that define the components of the offering:
- H8450 tôwr (a bull; bullock, ox): This term specifies one of the primary animals designated for sacrifice. It appears in the list of provisions for the burnt offerings Ezra 6:9 and for the dedication of the house of God Ezra 6:17.
- H1798 dᵉkar (a male, i.e. of sheep; ram): This word identifies another animal required for the offering. Rams are listed as necessary purchases for sacrifice on the altar Ezra 7:17.
- H563 ʼimmar (a lamb): This term completes the list of specified animals for the burnt offerings in the decree Ezra 6:9.
- H426 ʼĕlâhh (God; God, god): This word identifies the recipient of the burnt offerings. The offerings are explicitly for "the God of heaven" Ezra 6:9, emphasizing the divine focus of the sacrifice.
The theological significance of H5928 is tied directly to its specific context:
- Restoration of Worship: Its use in Ezra 6:9 is central to the theme of restoring proper worship in Jerusalem. The provision for burnt offerings signifies a return to the prescribed sacrificial system.
- Divine Provision through Human Authority: The word appears in a decree from a secular authority, mandating that resources be supplied for offerings to the "God of heaven" Ezra 6:9. This illustrates God working through earthly powers to ensure His worship continues.
- Specificity in Sacrifice: The context explicitly lists the required animals—bullocks, rams, and lambs—for the burnt offerings, reinforcing the principle that worship and sacrifice follow a divine pattern and are not arbitrary acts Ezra 6:9.
In summary, H5928 ʻălâh is a precise Aramaic term for a burnt offering. Though it appears only once, its context in the book of Ezra is significant, tying it to the re-establishment of the temple sacrificial system. It underscores the importance of having the specific, material provisions necessary to perform the sacred rites dedicated to the God of heaven.
TRV