A firepan, also known as a censer, is a vessel used in biblical times for carrying live coals or burning incense. It is an important item in the context of worship and sacrificial rituals as described in the Old Testament. The firepan is often associated with the tabernacle and temple services, where it played a crucial role in the offerings made to God.

Exodus 27:3 :
"Make all the utensils of bronze: its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans."

In the construction of the altar of burnt offering, God commanded Moses to make firepans of bronze. These firepans were part of the set of utensils used in the sacrificial system, highlighting their importance in the daily operations of the tabernacle.

Leviticus 16:12 :
"Then he is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the veil."

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was instructed to take a censer, or firepan, filled with burning coals from the altar. This act was part of the sacred ritual performed to atone for the sins of the people, signifying the firepan's role in mediating between God and Israel.

Numbers 16:46 :
"Moses said to Aaron, 'Take your censer, and put fire from the altar in it, and lay incense on it. Then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.'"

In the account of Korah's rebellion, the firepan is used as a tool for atonement. Aaron, the high priest, uses the censer to make atonement for the people, demonstrating the firepan's function in intercessory acts and its significance in halting divine judgment.

1 Kings 7:50 :
"the cups, snuffers, bowls, dishes, and censers of pure gold; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) and for the doors of the main hall of the temple."

In Solomon's temple, the firepans were crafted from pure gold, indicating their sacred status and the wealth and splendor of the temple. The use of gold underscores the firepan's role in the holy service and its association with the divine presence.

2 Chronicles 4:22 :
"the wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers of pure gold. As for the doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place and the doors of the main hall, they were overlaid with gold."

The chronicler reiterates the use of gold in the construction of the temple's utensils, including the firepans. This further emphasizes the firepan's integral role in the worship practices of ancient Israel and its connection to the sacred space of the temple.

The firepan, as depicted in these scriptures, is a vital component of the worship and sacrificial system in the Old Testament. Its use in various rituals and its construction from precious materials reflect its importance in the religious life of Israel and its role in facilitating communion with God.Exodus 38:3
And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the meat hooks, and the fire pans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.
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2 Kings 25:15
And the fire pans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.
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