Lexical Summary athar: To pray, entreat, supplicate Original Word: עָתָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance suppliant, thick From athar; incense (as increasing to a volume of smoke); hence (from athar) a worshipper -- suppliant, thick. see HEBREW athar see HEBREW athar Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [עָתַר] noun [masculine] suppliant, worshipper (?; so usually, but dubious); — only plural suffix עֲתָרַי Zephaniah 3:10. II. [עָתָר] noun [masculine] odour (si vera lectio) (so Vrss.); — construct עֲתַר Ezekiel 8:11, of incense. Topical Lexicon Overview עָתָר appears only twice in the Old Testament, yet the contexts in which it is found—idolatrous apostasy in Jerusalem and promised worldwide worship—form a striking literary and theological contrast. Both occurrences portray the movement of prayer-fragrance and the people who offer it, thereby framing the term as a window into true and false devotion. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts 1. Ezekiel 8:11 “Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising.” Inside the prophet’s vision of the temple, seventy elders burn incense to images on the wall. The rising עָתָר-cloud underscores the tragedy: worship that ought to be directed to the LORD is being lavished on idols. Prayer-smoke that should symbolize covenant communion instead exposes covenant violation. “From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, the daughter of My dispersed, will bring My offering.” Here עָתָר designates redeemed petitioners scattered far from Zion yet destined to return with gifts acceptable to God. The term transforms from a corrupted fragrance in Ezekiel to a purified people in Zephaniah, emphasizing restoration after judgment. Thematic Significance • Prayer as Fragrance Scripture repeatedly links prayer and incense (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). The Ezekiel passage shows how the same ritual act can become odious when severed from covenant fidelity, while Zephaniah anticipates a pleasing aroma arising from purified hearts. • Suppliants Gathered from the Nations Zephaniah looks beyond Israel’s borders to “beyond the rivers of Cush,” signaling an early Old Testament glimpse of gentile inclusion. The “daughter of My dispersed” joins the “worshipers,” prefiguring Acts 2:5-11 and Ephesians 2:11-13, where scattered peoples are united in Christ. • Covenant Contrast The tandem occurrences reveal a biblical pattern: false worship brings divine displeasure (Ezekiel 8), yet God remains committed to receive true worship from a restored remnant (Zephaniah 3). Both scenes validate the prophetic call to repentance and the certainty of eventual blessing. Historical Notes Ezekiel’s vision dates to 592 B.C., shortly before Jerusalem’s fall; the prophetic indictment prepares the exiles for the coming catastrophe. Zephaniah, prophesying decades earlier (ca. 640-620 B.C.), warns of judgment yet concludes with hope. The limited spread of עָתָר therefore spans the period from impending judgment to promised renewal. Ministry Insights • Discern Genuine Worship Ritual alone cannot sanctify; heart allegiance determines whether “incense” pleases God. Churches must pair liturgy and prayer meetings with obedience to Scripture (John 4:24). • Embrace Global Suppliants Zephaniah 3:10 encourages mission. God already claims worshipers beyond traditional boundaries; the church cooperates by preaching, discipling, and welcoming culturally diverse believers (Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 7:9-10). • Foster Intercessory Communities Since עָתָר reflects both fragrance and petitioner, believers are reminded that prayer is simultaneously offering and identity. Congregations cultivate this identity by sustaining corporate intercession (1 Timothy 2:1-8). Christological Fulfillment Jesus embodies perfect priestly incense (Hebrews 7:25). His once-for-all sacrifice secures access for every suppliant, fulfilling the Zephaniah promise. In Him, the polluted cloud of Ezekiel is replaced by the “fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Practical Application 1. Evaluate personal and corporate worship motives in light of Ezekiel 8:11. Summary עָתָר traces a journey from corrupted incense in apostate Jerusalem to purified worshipers streaming to Zion. The word therefore challenges God’s people to offer prayers that arise from obedient hearts and anticipates a worldwide chorus of suppliants whose offerings are made acceptable through the mediating work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations וַעֲתַ֥ר ועתר עֲתָרַי֙ עתרי ‘ă·ṯā·ray ‘ăṯāray ataRai vaaTar wa‘ăṯar wa·‘ă·ṯarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 8:11 HEB: מִקְטַרְתּ֖וֹ בְּיָד֑וֹ וַעֲתַ֥ר עֲנַֽן־ הַקְּטֹ֖רֶת NAS: in his hand and the fragrance of the cloud KJV: in his hand; and a thick cloud INT: his censer his hand and the fragrance of the cloud of incense Zephaniah 3:10 2 Occurrences |
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