Lexical Summary meshach: Meshach Original Word: מְשַׁח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oil (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to mashach; oil -- oil. see HEBREW mashach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to mashach Definition oil NASB Translation anointing oil (1), oil (1). Topical Lexicon Meaning and scope מְשַׁח denotes olive oil supplied for sacred use in the Second Temple. While other Hebrew words for oil occur throughout Scripture (such as שֶׁמֶן and יִצְהָר), this Aramaic form appears only in the imperial decrees preserved in Ezra, underscoring the continuity of worship requirements even after the exile. Occurrences in Ezra • Ezra 6:9 – King Darius orders that “wheat, salt, wine, and oil” be granted “daily without fail” for the burnt offerings. Historical context The exiles had returned to a devastated land with limited resources. Persian edicts therefore became the divinely-ordained means by which the daily sacrifices, grain offerings, and lamp service could resume (compare Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 29:10). The mention of oil together with livestock, wine, wheat, and salt shows that the full Levitical pattern (Leviticus 2:1-10; Leviticus 24:1-4) remained the standard, even under foreign rule. Liturgical function 1. Grain offerings: The cereal tribute was to be mixed with oil, then burned “as an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 2:4-5). The Ezra passages assure that each of these functions could operate without interruption in the restored temple. Theological symbolism Oil throughout Scripture carries layered meaning: By guaranteeing an unbroken supply, the Persian decrees prefigure the promised, unceasing ministry of the Spirit in the age to come (Joel 2:28-29; John 14:16-17). Continuity with earlier revelation The Second Temple community did not invent a new ritual; they reclaimed the one given through Moses (Numbers 28:3-8). The provision of oil joins tithes, firstfruits, and sacrifices as elements that survived exile, demonstrating the enduring validity of God’s covenant instructions (Malachi 3:6). Christological insight “Messiah” (מָשִׁיחַ) literally means “Anointed One,” and the Ezra narrative highlights the necessity of anointing oil at the center of worship. The temple’s restored service looked forward to the true Temple—Jesus Christ—who would be anointed “with the oil of joy above Your companions” (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 1:9). Thus מְשַׁח in Ezra points beyond itself to the fullness of God’s redeeming work realized in the Son. Ministry implications 1. Dependence on divine provision: Just as Israel relied on imperial aid for its oil, believers depend on God for every spiritual supply (Philippians 4:19). Key cross-references for study Exodus 27:20-21; Exodus 30:22-33 • Leviticus 2:1-10; Leviticus 24:1-4 • Numbers 28:3-8 • Psalm 133:1-2 • Isaiah 61:1-3 • Zechariah 4:1-6 • Acts 10:38 • 1 John 2:20, 27 Summary מְשַׁח, though limited to two Aramaic verses, stands at the crossroads of history, worship, and prophecy. It ensured continuity of sacrificial life after exile, symbolized the abiding presence of the Spirit, and foreshadowed the ultimate Anointed One. Its brief appearances carry enduring lessons on God’s faithful provision and the perpetual anointing He grants His people. Forms and Transliterations וּמְשַׁ֗ח ומשח מְשַׁ֖ח משח mə·šaḥ məšaḥ meShach ū·mə·šaḥ ūməšaḥ umeShachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:9 HEB: מְלַ֣ח ׀ חֲמַ֣ר וּמְשַׁ֗ח כְּמֵאמַ֨ר כָּהֲנַיָּ֤א NAS: wine and anointing oil, as the priests KJV: wine, and oil, according to the appointment INT: salt wine and anointing request as the priests Ezra 7:22 2 Occurrences |
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