Topical Bible: Offerings: Wood: Fuel for the Temple

◄ Offerings: Wood: Fuel for the Temple ►

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In the context of ancient Israelite worship, offerings of wood played a significant role in the maintenance and operation of the Temple, particularly as fuel for the altar. The use of wood as a sacrificial offering is less prominent than animal or grain offerings, yet it was essential for the daily functions of the Temple, especially in sustaining the perpetual fire on the altar.

Biblical References and Instructions

The need for wood as fuel is implied in several passages of the Old Testament, where the maintenance of the altar's fire is commanded. In Leviticus 6:12-13 , the Lord instructs, "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished." This passage underscores the necessity of a constant supply of wood to fulfill the divine command for a perpetual fire.

The Wood Offering in Nehemiah

The Book of Nehemiah provides a specific reference to the wood offering. In Nehemiah 10:34 , the Israelites, upon returning from exile, reinstitute the practice of bringing wood for the altar: "We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people to bring wood offerings to the house of our God, according to our families, at the appointed times year by year, to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law." This organized system ensured a steady supply of wood, reflecting the community's commitment to the proper worship of God.

Symbolism and Significance

While wood itself was not a sacrificial offering in the same sense as animals or grain, its role as fuel was indispensable for the sacrificial system. The burning of offerings symbolized the ascent of prayers and devotion to God, and the wood was the medium through which these offerings were consumed. The requirement for a continual fire on the altar can be seen as a symbol of God's unending presence and the perpetual nature of worship and atonement.

Practical Considerations

The practical aspects of wood offerings involved the community's participation in temple worship. The allocation of wood collection duties among families, as seen in Nehemiah, highlights the communal responsibility in sustaining the worship practices. This system ensured that the burden of providing wood did not fall on a single group, but was shared among the people, fostering a sense of unity and collective devotion.

Conclusion

The offering of wood as fuel for the Temple, while not as prominent as other offerings, was a critical component of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. It facilitated the continuous operation of the altar, symbolizing the ongoing relationship between God and His people. Through the organized provision of wood, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the sacred fire, reflecting their dedication to the covenant and the worship of the Lord.

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Nehemiah 10:34
And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
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Nehemiah 13:31
And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
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Library

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... would find a fifth thing, serving as fuel to the ... built no oven, they brought neither
wood nor fire ... temple, and altar and sacrifices, and offerings, and drink ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... to undergo the "Opening of the Mouth" and to receive offerings. ... be linked to an idol
in the temple sanctuary in ... body, whether in stone, metal, or wood, a real ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... For the flame cannot survive, when the fuel is exhausted, and departs along with
that which kindles it, nor does desire abide, when its incentive wastes away. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... JOHN BUNYAN. A DISCOURSE UPON THE PHARISEE AND PUBLICAN. "TWO MEN WENT UP INTO THE
TEMPLE TO PRAY; THE ONE A PHARISEE ... TWO MEN WENT UP INTO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

part i
... It signifies that all of us who are in God's Temple are deserving, by our sins,
of ... It is a constant laying in of fuel (meaning food) in order that the fire of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm