Firepans, also known as censers, are small metal vessels used in biblical times for carrying burning coals or incense. They are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, primarily in relation to the tabernacle and temple services. The Hebrew word for firepan is "machtah," which can also be translated as "censer" or "snuff dish."

Biblical References and Usage

1. Tabernacle and Temple Service: Firepans were integral to the worship practices in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They were used by priests to carry coals from the altar of burnt offering to the altar of incense. This practice is outlined in the instructions given to Moses for the construction and furnishing of the tabernacle. In Exodus 27:3 , it is stated: "Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans."

2. The Rebellion of Korah: A significant event involving firepans is the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 16, Korah and his followers challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, claiming that the entire congregation was holy. Moses instructed them to take censers, put fire and incense in them, and present them before the LORD. Numbers 16:17 records: "Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers in all. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well." The LORD's judgment resulted in the earth swallowing the rebels, and the firepans were subsequently hammered into a covering for the altar as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion (Numbers 16:38-40).

3. Symbolism and Significance: Firepans symbolize the holiness and sanctity of worship before God. They were used to carry the fire that was considered sacred, as it originated from the altar where sacrifices were made. The use of firepans in the rebellion of Korah highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience, as improper use led to divine judgment.

4. Solomon's Temple: In the construction of Solomon's temple, firepans were again mentioned as part of the temple furnishings. 1 Kings 7:50 lists them among the items made of pure gold: "the cups, snuffers, bowls, dishes, and censers of pure gold; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (the Most Holy Place) and for the doors of the main hall of the temple."

Materials and Craftsmanship

Firepans were typically made of bronze or gold, reflecting their sacred purpose and the wealth of the temple. The craftsmanship of these items was detailed and precise, as they were part of the holy service to the LORD. The use of precious metals underscored the value and importance of the worship practices they facilitated.

Theological Implications

The use of firepans in the Old Testament underscores the necessity of purity and holiness in worship. They served as a tangible reminder of the need for atonement and the proper approach to God. The events surrounding their use, particularly in the rebellion of Korah, illustrate the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of His worship and the consequences of disobedience.

In summary, firepans were essential tools in the worship practices of ancient Israel, symbolizing the holiness required in approaching God and serving as a reminder of the divine order established for His people.4289. machtah -- a fireholder, censer, snuff dish
... 4288, 4289. machtah. 4290 . a fireholder, censer, snuff dish. Transliteration:
machtah Phonetic Spelling: (makh-taw') Short Definition: firepans. ...
/hebrew/4289.htm - 6k

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... ministered, took they away. And the firepans, and all the golden and silver
bowls they took away. Moreover, Nebuzaradan, the captain ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Firepans (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Firepans (9 Occurrences). Exodus 27:3 And thou
shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels ...
/f/firepans.htm - 9k

Fire-pans (11 Occurrences)
Fire-pans. Firepans, Fire-pans. Fireplace . Multi-Version Concordance
Fire-pans (11 Occurrences). Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make ...
/f/fire-pans.htm - 9k

Firepan (2 Occurrences)
... Brazen firepans were part of the furnishings of the altar of burnt offerings (Exodus
27:3; Exodus 38:3, and in Numbers 4:14, where the King James Version ...
/f/firepan.htm - 9k

Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make its pots to cleanse it of the fat, its shovels,
and its bowls, and its forks, and its firepans; for all the utensils thereof ...
/b/bowls.htm - 21k

Flesh-hooks (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make its pots to take away its ashes, and its shovels,
and its basins, and its flesh-hooks, and its firepans: all the vessels ...
/f/flesh-hooks.htm - 8k

Utensils (72 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make its pots to cleanse it of the fat, its shovels,
and its bowls, and its forks, and its firepans; for all the utensils thereof ...
/u/utensils.htm - 28k

Fleshhooks (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels,
and his basins, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof ...
/f/fleshhooks.htm - 8k

Forks (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make its pots to cleanse it of the fat, its shovels,
and its bowls, and its forks, and its firepans; for all the utensils thereof ...
/f/forks.htm - 8k

Copper (55 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make its pots to cleanse it of the fat, its shovels,
and its bowls, and its forks, and its firepans; for all the utensils thereof ...
/c/copper.htm - 27k

Fire-pan (4 Occurrences)
Fire-pan. Firepan, Fire-pan. Firepans . Multi-Version Concordance Fire-pan
(4 Occurrences). ... (DBY). Firepan, Fire-pan. Firepans . Reference Bible.
/f/fire-pan.htm - 7k

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