6402. polchan
Lexical Summary
polchan: Service, Worship

Original Word: פָלְחָן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: polchan
Pronunciation: pool-khawn'
Phonetic Spelling: (pol-khawn')
KJV: service
NASB: service
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from H639 (אַף - anger)9]

1. worship

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
service

(Aramaic) from plach; worship -- service.

see HEBREW plach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
(Aramaic) from pelach
Definition
service, worship
NASB Translation
service (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
מָּלְחָן noun [masculine] service, worship; — construct ׳פ בֵּית אֱלָהָח Ezra 7:19.

Topical Lexicon
Entry: Palchan (Service of the Temple)

Meaning and Scope

Palchan denotes the organized, dedicated service rendered before the God of Israel, especially as it relates to the use of sacred vessels and implements in the sanctuary. It encapsulates both the ritual activity itself and the objects set apart for that activity.

Biblical Usage

Ezra 7:19 is the sole occurrence:

“Furthermore, the articles that have been given to you for the service of the house of your God must be delivered before the God of Jerusalem.” (Ezra 7:19)

The term appears in the Aramaic portion of Artaxerxes’ decree, underscoring imperial recognition that these items belong exclusively to the liturgical worship of the Lord.

Historical Background

1. Second-Temple Restoration: After decades of exile, the returned community required both personnel and equipment to re-establish proper worship. Palchan pinpoints the moment when the Persian treasury reinforced that effort by submitting vessels for cultic use, a striking contrast with Nebuchadnezzar’s earlier plundering (2 Kings 25:13-15; Ezra 1:7-11).
2. Imperial Sanction: Artaxerxes’ command shows that authentic worship was not merely a local custom but a matter of imperial policy, highlighting God’s sovereignty in prompting a foreign monarch to fund His house (Proverbs 21:1).
3. Continuity with Mosaic Worship: Although Ezra 7 is Aramaic, the concept deliberately mirrors Hebrew descriptions of “service” (ʿavodah) in Exodus and Numbers, affirming the unbroken priestly tradition from Sinai to Jerusalem’s rebuilt altar.

Theological Significance

• Holiness and Exclusivity: Objects and duties tagged as palchan are consecrated; using them otherwise would desecrate sacred space (compare Daniel 5:2-4).
• Mediated Grace: Proper service assures continued covenant blessing. The vessels facilitate sacrifice, confession, and thanksgiving, mediating God’s presence among His people (Leviticus 16:15-17).
• Witness to the Nations: The decree publicizes Yahweh’s worship in a pluralistic empire, foreshadowing global recognition of the one true God (Isaiah 45:22-23).

Ministry Insights

1. Stewardship: Ezra receives not ownership but trust; leaders today likewise steward, not possess, church resources (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
2. Transparency: An inventory is specified (Ezra 8:33-34), modeling accountability in God’s work.
3. Preparedness: Vessels precede sacrifice; orderly provision facilitates vibrant worship (1 Chronicles 28:12-14).

Related Passages

Exodus 27:19; Numbers 4:15-16; 1 Kings 7:45-47; 2 Chronicles 24:12-14; Hebrews 9:21-23.

Christological and Eschatological Trajectory

Temple service anticipates the once-for-all priestly ministry of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:1-6). The earthly palchan finds fulfillment in the heavenly sanctuary where Christ “appeared in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24). Ultimately, New Jerusalem needs no temple because “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22), rendering every redeemed believer a living vessel of worship.

Practical Application

• Consecrate resources, gifts, and time exclusively for God’s glory.
• Maintain meticulous integrity when handling church finances and property.
• View all ministry, whether visible or hidden, as sacred service—modern palchan—carried out before the face of God (Colossians 3:23-24).

Forms and Transliterations
לְפָלְחָ֖ן לפלחן lə·p̄ā·lə·ḥān lefaleChan ləp̄āləḥān
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Ezra 7:19
HEB: מִתְיַהֲבִ֣ין לָ֔ךְ לְפָלְחָ֖ן בֵּ֣ית אֱלָהָ֑ךְ
NAS: are given to you for the service of the house
KJV: also that are given thee for the service of the house
INT: which are given the service of the house of your God

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 6402
1 Occurrence


lə·p̄ā·lə·ḥān — 1 Occ.

6401
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