The concept of the wood-offering is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the temple worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel. The wood-offering is mentioned explicitly in the book of Nehemiah, which provides insight into its significance and function in the religious life of the Jewish people.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the wood-offering is found in Nehemiah 10:34 : "We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people to bring wood to our God's house by our ancestral houses at appointed times each year to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law."

Additionally, Nehemiah 13:31 mentions the wood-offering in the context of Nehemiah's reforms: "I also arranged for the supply of wood at designated times and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor."

Historical and Religious Context:

The wood-offering was an essential part of maintaining the sacrificial system in the temple. The altar of burnt offering required a constant supply of wood to keep the fire burning, as sacrifices were a central aspect of worship and atonement for the Israelites. The wood-offering ensured that there was always enough fuel for the sacrifices, which were to be offered continually before the Lord.

The practice of casting lots to determine which families would supply the wood indicates the communal responsibility and shared participation in temple worship. This system of allocation ensured that the burden of providing wood was distributed fairly among the people, reflecting the collective commitment to uphold the worship practices prescribed in the Law.

Theological Significance:

The wood-offering underscores the importance of preparation and provision in worship. Just as the Israelites were required to bring their offerings to the temple, the provision of wood was a necessary precursor to the sacrificial acts that symbolized atonement and devotion to God. It highlights the principle that worship involves both spiritual and practical elements, requiring dedication and resources from the community.

Moreover, the wood-offering can be seen as a symbol of the people's willingness to support the ongoing worship of God, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant relationship with Him. It serves as a reminder of the need for continual dedication to the practices that sustain and express faith.

Practical Implications:

For contemporary believers, the wood-offering can serve as a metaphor for the resources and efforts required to maintain a vibrant spiritual life and community worship. It encourages believers to consider how they contribute to the life of their faith community, whether through time, talents, or resources, ensuring that the "fire" of worship and devotion remains kindled.

In summary, the wood-offering, while a practical necessity in the temple worship of ancient Israel, carries deeper spiritual implications about preparation, provision, and communal responsibility in the worship of God.(Nehemiah 10:34; 13:31). It would seem that in the time of Nehemiah arrangements were made, probably on account of the comparative scarcity of wood, by which certain districts were required, as chosen by lot, to furnish wood to keep the altar fire perpetually burning (Leviticus 6:13).

Appendix xv. The Location of Sychar, and the Date of Our Lord's ...
... The only other feasts were: the Feast of Wood-Offering (comp. ... As between the Feast
of the Wood Offering and that of Trumphets I feel at considerable loss. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xv the location of.htm

part 1
... in the revival of his day, the tithe is also mentioned: "And we cast the lots among
the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
... Thus much, however, seems clear that it was either the Feast of Wood-offering' on
the 15th of Abh (in August), when, amidst demonstrations of joy, willing ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii at the unknown.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... fire (chap. xvi.). Many of these cannot be identified. A wood offering
is spoken of Nehemiah 10:34, xiii. 31. Abraham's incense ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Woodoffering

/w/woodoffering.htm - 6k

Wood-offering (2 Occurrences)
Wood-offering. Woodoffering, Wood-offering. Woodpile . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Woodoffering, Wood-offering. Woodpile . Reference Bible.
/w/wood-offering.htm - 7k

Supply (40 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood
offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers ...
/s/supply.htm - 21k

Lots (26 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood
offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers ...
/l/lots.htm - 15k

Woodlands (3 Occurrences)

/w/woodlands.htm - 7k

Woodpile (1 Occurrence)

/w/woodpile.htm - 6k

Annually (6 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood
offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers ...
/a/annually.htm - 8k

Contributions (19 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 13:31 and for the woodoffering, at times appointed,
and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good. (See NIV). ...
/c/contributions.htm - 12k

Designated (22 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Nehemiah 13:31 and for the woodoffering, at times appointed, and
for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good. (See NIV). ...
/d/designated.htm - 13k

Determine (13 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood
offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers ...
/d/determine.htm - 13k

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