### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ritspâh**, represented by `{{H7531}}`, has a dual meaning derived from its definition as a **hot stone** or a **tessellated pavement**. It appears **8 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This word is used to describe both a surface for walking or worship and a fiery object with a specific, holy purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The contexts for `{{H7531}}` illustrate its two distinct applications. In Isaiah's vision, it is translated as a **live coal** which a seraphim takes from the altar to touch his lips [[Isaiah 6:6]]. Conversely, in Ezekiel's detailed vision of the temple, the word is used repeatedly to describe the **pavement** of the outer and lower courts ([[Ezekiel 40:17]], [[Ezekiel 40:18]], [[Ezekiel 42:3]]). This term is also used to describe the ornate **pavement** of marble in the court of a Persian king [[Esther 1:6]] and the sacred **pavement** upon which the Israelites bowed in worship when God's glory filled the temple [[2 Chronicles 7:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the settings where `{{H7531}}` is found:
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): This word is directly connected to the "live coal" aspect of `{{H7531}}`. The **live coal** that purifies Isaiah is taken specifically from the **altar**, the central place of sacrifice and divine interaction [[Isaiah 6:6]].
* `{{H3519}}` **kâbôwd** (glory): The temple **pavement** is a place of worship, where the people bow in response to seeing the **glory** of the LORD descend upon the house [[2 Chronicles 7:3]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This word is linked to `{{H7531}}` in the context of divine presence. The Israelites bow on the **pavement** when they see **fire** come down from heaven, signifying a powerful theophany [[2 Chronicles 7:3]].
* `{{H776}}` **ʼerets** (ground): The **pavement** is the specific surface upon which the people humbled themselves, bowing with their faces to the **ground** in an act of worship [[2 Chronicles 7:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7531}}` is revealed in its contrasting uses.
* **Foundation for Worship:** As a **pavement**, it forms the physical ground for acts of reverence and humility before God. It is the surface on which humanity prostrates itself when confronted with the divine **glory** [[2 Chronicles 7:3]] and a key architectural element of God's visionary temple [[Ezekiel 40:17]].
* **Agent of Sanctification:** As a **live coal** from the **altar** `{{H4196}}`, it becomes an instrument of divine purification. Its heat and holiness, derived from its proximity to God, are what cleanse Isaiah for his prophetic ministry [[Isaiah 6:6]].
* **Sacred vs. Secular Ground:** The word contrasts the holy **pavement** of God's house with the opulent **pavement** of a human king's palace [[Esther 1:6]]. This highlights the difference between a foundation built for worshipping God and one built to display worldly wealth.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7531}}` is a multifaceted term that signifies more than just a stone or floor. It represents a point of contact between the human and the divine. Whether as a **pavement** for worshipers to kneel upon or as a **live coal** from the altar to purify the unclean, **ritspâh** consistently appears in moments of profound spiritual encounter, defining the very ground on which holiness is met.
TRV