Lexical Summary tsaatsuim: Trinkets, baubles, or idols Original Word: צַעְצֻעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance image work From an unused root meaning to bestrew with carvings; sculpture -- image (work). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition things formed, images NASB Translation sculptured* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צַעֲצֻעִים noun [masculine] plural things formed, images; ׳מַעֲשֵׂה צ2Chronicles 3:10 image work (of cherubim). Topical Lexicon Canonical Context צַעְצֻעַ appears once, in 2 Chronicles 3:10, describing the “sculptured work” of the two cherubim Solomon placed in the Most Holy Place of the temple. The verse sits within the Chronicler’s detailed record (2 Chronicles 3–4) of the temple’s construction, highlighting both its architectural grandeur and its conformity to earlier Mosaic patterns (compare Exodus 25:18–22). Description and Usage The term designates a crafted, three-dimensional figure. In Solomon’s temple these figures were ten cubits high, fashioned from olive wood, overlaid with pure gold, and oriented so that their wings stretched from wall to wall, meeting in the center over the ark (2 Chronicles 3:11–13). Their placement directly above the ark underscored God’s enthroned presence: “He sits enthroned between the cherubim” (Psalm 99:1). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured images of composite winged creatures symbolizing divine guardianship. Scripture occasionally adopts comparable imagery, yet always in service of true worship rather than idolatry. By employing צַעְצֻעַ for the cherubim, the Chronicler notes craftsmanship that is both culturally recognizable and covenantally regulated. The artisans—supplied, trained, and overseen by Huram-Abi (2 Chronicles 2:13–14)—express the height of Israel’s artistic skill consecrated for the LORD. Theological Significance 1. Manifest Presence: The sculptured cherubim signify the throne room of the living God. Their outstretched wings form a canopy over the Mercy Seat, the locus of atonement (Leviticus 16:14–15). Contrast with Idolatrous Images While the second commandment forbids graven images for worship (Exodus 20:4–5), the temple cherubim were ordained symbols, not objects of veneration. Their exclusive location in the Holy of Holies prevented misuse by the populace. Thus צַעְצֻעַ illustrates the difference between divinely sanctioned representation that points beyond itself and human-invented idols that usurp God’s glory. New Testament Echoes and Christological Fulfillment The torn veil at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51) opened the way into the very space where the cherubim stood, fulfilling the emblem of restricted access and revealing that the sacrificial blood of Jesus has satisfied the demands once enacted beneath their wings. Revelation 4:6–8 envisions living creatures around God’s throne, echoing temple imagery and directing worship to the Lamb. Practical Ministry Implications • Sacred Artistry: צַעְצֻעַ validates the use of skilled artistry for godly purposes. Christian craftsmen, musicians, and architects can labor “as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Summary of Key Themes צַעְצֻעַ, though occurring only once, brings together craftsmanship, covenant fidelity, and the theology of God’s presence. The sculptured cherubim it denotes stand as golden sentinels of holiness, heralds of atonement, and, ultimately, signposts toward the unveiled access believers now enjoy through Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations צַעֲצֻעִ֑ים צעצעים ṣa‘ăṣu‘îm ṣa·‘ă·ṣu·‘îm tzaatzuImLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 3:10 HEB: שְׁנַ֔יִם מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה צַעֲצֻעִ֑ים וַיְצַפּ֥וּ אֹתָ֖ם KJV: cherubims of image work, INT: two work of image and overlaid gold 1 Occurrence |
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