Lexical Summary chadath: To renew, to restore Original Word: חֲדָת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance new (Aramaic) corresponding to chadash; new -- new. see HEBREW chadash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originan optional reading not chosen in NASB. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Strong’s Hebrew 2323 (חֲדָת, chădath) appears once, in Ezra 6:4, where King Darius confirms Cyrus’ earlier decree for rebuilding the temple: “with three layers of cut stones and one of new timber; the costs are to be paid from the royal treasury”. Historical Setting Ezra 6 records the Persian court’s official endorsement of Jerusalem’s second-temple project (circa 520-516 BC). After opposition halted the work (Ezra 4), the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirred the people to resume (Ezra 5:1-2). A search in the Persian archives uncovered Cyrus’ original decree, and Darius ordered full compliance (Ezra 6:1-12). The specification for “new timber” stands within the royal blueprint that also dictates the dimensions, financing, and sacrificial provisions. Material Integrity and Sacred Space The call for “new timber” ensured that the superstructure resting atop the three stone courses would be untainted by previous secular or idolatrous use. Unlike reused beams common in ancient construction, untouched wood conveyed purity and exclusivity for the Lord’s dwelling. The Pentateuch had already woven this principle into sacrificial law—“Your offerings must be without blemish” (compare Leviticus 22:21). By analogy, the builders offered the temple itself as an unblemished gift. Symbolic Theology of ‘New’ 1. Covenant Renewal: The “new timber” pointed to fresh mercies after exile. Jeremiah had prophesied a “new covenant” (Jeremiah 31:31); the temple’s new materials stood as a visible pledge that God had not forsaken His people. Worship and Ministry Implications • Excellence in Service: Believers should dedicate resources of the highest quality to God’s work, reflecting His worthiness (Colossians 3:17). Connections to Other Biblical Themes • Rebuilding After Judgment: Parallels exist with Nehemiah’s wall (Nehemiah 2:17-18) and the future millennial temple (Ezekiel 40-48), each signaling restoration after discipline. Summary חֲדָת, though occurring only once, carries rich significance. In specifying “new timber,” Scripture highlights God’s demand for purity, the hope of post-exilic renewal, and the forward look to ultimate restoration in Christ. Churches and individual believers, as contemporary temples of the Holy Spirit, are called to embody that same newness—set apart, excellent, and wholly devoted to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations חֲדַ֑ת חדת chaDat ḥă·ḏaṯ ḥăḏaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |