Fire-pans, also known as censers, are utensils mentioned in the Bible primarily used in the context of worship and sacrificial rituals. These implements were integral to the tabernacle and temple services, serving as vessels for carrying burning coals and incense. The Hebrew word for fire-pan is "machtah," which can also be translated as censer or snuff dish, depending on the context.

Biblical References and Usage

1. Tabernacle and Temple Service: Fire-pans were essential in the tabernacle, as described in the book of Exodus. They were used by the priests to carry coals from the altar of burnt offering to the altar of incense. In Exodus 27:3 , the instructions for the construction of the altar include, "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 notable incident involving fire-pans 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 the right to serve as priests. Moses instructed them to take censers, put fire and incense in them, and present them before the LORD. Numbers 16:17 states, "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 censers were subsequently hammered into a covering for the altar as a reminder of the consequences of unauthorized priestly service (Numbers 16:38-40).

3. King Uzziah's Transgression: Another significant event involving a fire-pan is King Uzziah's attempt to burn incense in the temple, an act reserved for the priests. In 2 Chronicles 26:19 , it is recorded, "Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. But while he raged against the priests in their presence before the altar of incense in the house of the LORD, leprosy broke out on his forehead." This incident underscores the sanctity of the priestly duties and the severe consequences of overstepping divine boundaries.

4. Symbolism and Significance: Fire-pans symbolize the holiness and reverence required in approaching God. The use of fire and incense in worship represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to the LORD, as seen in Psalm 141:2 , "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

Construction and Design

Fire-pans were typically made of bronze or gold, depending on their specific use and the location within the tabernacle or temple. The materials and craftsmanship reflected the sacred nature of their function. The design allowed for the safe transport of hot coals and burning incense, facilitating the priests' duties in maintaining the continual offering of incense before the LORD.

Theological Implications

The use of fire-pans in biblical worship highlights the importance of purity, obedience, and the proper approach to God. The incidents involving Korah and Uzziah serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of pride and presumption in spiritual matters. Fire-pans, therefore, are not merely ritualistic tools but are deeply embedded in the theological framework of worship, emphasizing the need for humility and reverence in the presence of the Almighty.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

The Sad Fate of a Guilty Nation
... took away. The fire-pans and the basins of silver and of gold, the commander
of the body-guard also melted and took away. The commander ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the sad fate of a.htm

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)
...fire-pans; thou also, and Aaron, each his fire-pan.' (See NAS). 1 Kings 7:50 and
the cups, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the firepans, ...
/f/firepans.htm - 9k

Fire-pans (11 Occurrences)
Fire-pans. Firepans, Fire-pans. Fireplace . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See JPS
WBS YLT). Firepans, Fire-pans. Fireplace . Reference Bible.
/f/fire-pans.htm - 9k

Pans (19 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its flesh hooks, and its firepans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/p/pans.htm - 12k

Firepan (2 Occurrences)
... as also in 2 Kings 25:15 and Jeremiah 52:19, translated "firepans" in the ... ye before
the LORD every man his fire-pan, two hundred and fifty fire-pans; thou also ...
/f/firepan.htm - 9k

Basins (33 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its flesh hooks, and its firepans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/b/basins.htm - 16k

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

Forks (6 Occurrences)
... the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the firepans. ... utensils
thereof, wherewith they perform service about it: the firepans, the forks ...
/f/forks.htm - 8k

Dishes (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 and the cups, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and
the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner ...
/d/dishes.htm - 12k

Shovels (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its flesh hooks, and its firepans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/s/shovels.htm - 9k

Spoons (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 and the cups, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and
the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner ...
/s/spoons.htm - 10k

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