A firepan, also referred to as a censer in some biblical translations, is a small metallic vessel used in ancient Israelite worship practices, particularly in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The firepan played a significant role in the rituals and ceremonies prescribed by the Mosaic Law, serving primarily in the handling of coals and incense.

Biblical References and Usage

The firepan is first mentioned in the context of the tabernacle's construction and its associated utensils. In Exodus 27:3, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its basins, its meat forks, and its firepans." This indicates that firepans were part of the essential equipment for the altar of burnt offering, used to carry live coals from the altar.

In Leviticus 16:12, the firepan is specifically mentioned in the context of the Day of Atonement: "Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the veil." Here, the firepan is used by the high priest to transport coals into the Holy of Holies, where incense is burned before the Ark of the Covenant.

The firepan also appears in Numbers 16 during the rebellion of Korah. In this narrative, firepans are used by Korah and his followers to offer unauthorized incense before the LORD, resulting in divine judgment. Numbers 16:17 records: "Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers in all. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well." This incident underscores the sacredness of the firepan and the importance of adhering to God's instructions regarding worship.

Symbolism and Significance

The firepan symbolizes the holiness and purity required in approaching God. Its use in the tabernacle and temple rituals highlights the necessity of mediation and atonement in the relationship between God and His people. The firepan's role in carrying coals and incense signifies the prayers of the saints ascending to God, as seen in Revelation 8:3-4, where incense represents the prayers of the saints.

The firepan also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of reverence in worship. The account of Korah's rebellion illustrates the danger of approaching God in an unauthorized manner, emphasizing the need for obedience to divine commandments.

Construction and Design

Firepans were typically made of bronze, a metal known for its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. The design of the firepan allowed it to be easily carried, facilitating the transportation of hot coals and incense. The use of bronze also symbolized judgment and purification, aligning with the firepan's function in sacrificial rituals.

In summary, the firepan is a significant liturgical implement in the Old Testament, integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel. Its presence in the tabernacle and temple underscores the themes of holiness, obedience, and the mediatory role of the priesthood in the covenant relationship between God and His people.Firepan

one of the vessels of the temple service. (Exodus 27:3; 38:3; 2 Kings 25:15; Jeremiah 52:19) The same word is elsewhere rendered "snuff-dish," (Exodus 25:38; 37:23; Numbers 4:9) and "censer." (Leviticus 10:1; 16:12; Numbers 16:6) ff. There appear, therefore, to have been two articles so called: one, like a chafing-dish, to carry live coals for the purpose of burning incense; another, like a snuffer-dish, to be used in trimming the lamps, in order to carry the snuffers and convey away the snuff.

(Exodus 27:3; 38:3), one of the vessels of the temple service (rendered "snuff-dish" Exodus 25:38; 37:23; and "censer" Leviticus 10:1; 16:12). It was probably a metallic cinder-basin used for the purpose of carrying live coal for burning incense, and of carrying away the snuff in trimming the lamps. FIREPAN

fir'-pan (machtah, "firepan," "censer," "snuffdish," from chathah, "to snatch up"):

A vessel for carrying coals. Brazen firepans were part of the furnishings of the altar of burnt offerings (Exodus 27:3; Exodus 38:3, and in Numbers 4:14, where the King James Version wrongly reads "censers," the context indicating a vessel belonging to the brazen altar).

The same word is translated "snuffdishes" in Exodus 25:38; Exodus 37:23 Numbers 4:9, where it refers to golden firepans which belonged to the golden candlestick or lamp stand, and were used to receive the burnt ends of the wicks. In 1 Kings 7:50 and 2 Chronicles 4:22, although the King James Version reads "censers," the context points to the firepans belonging to the candlestick; as also in 2 Kings 25:15 and Jeremiah 52:19, translated "firepans" in the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American). A similar firepan designated by the same Hebrew word but translated "censer" was used to carry the burning coals upon which the incense was thrown and burned (Leviticus 10:1; Leviticus 16:12 Numbers 16:6, 17).

See CENSER.

The firepan or censer of the Hebrews was doubtless similar to the censer of the Egyptians, pictures of which have been found. It consisted of a pan or pot for the coals, which was held by a straight or slightly curved long handle. The style of censer used in recent centuries, swung by three chains, came into use about the 12th century A.D.

George Rice Hovey

4289. machtah -- a fireholder, censer, snuff dish
... Word Origin from chathah Definition a fireholder, censer, snuff dish NASB Word Usage
censer (3), censers (4), firepan (3), firepans (9), trays (3). ...
/hebrew/4289.htm - 6k

"But they are Gods to Us," You Say. ...
... you call Lares, you exercise a domestic authority over, pledging them, selling them,
changing them"making sometimes a cooking-pot of a Saturn, a firepan of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xiii but they are.htm

Firepan (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FIREPAN. fir'-pan (machtah, "firepan," "censer,"
"snuffdish," from chathah, "to snatch up"): A vessel for carrying coals. ...
/f/firepan.htm - 9k

Censer (10 Occurrences)
... The former word is generally rendered "censer," sometimes "firepan," and in three
cases (Exodus 25:38; Exodus 37:23 Numbers 4:9) "snuffdish" It denoted a bowl ...
/c/censer.htm - 14k

Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences)
Fire-offerings. Fire-offering, Fire-offerings. Firepan . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(YLT). Fire-offering, Fire-offerings. Firepan . Reference Bible.
/f/fire-offerings.htm - 12k

Fire-pan (4 Occurrences)
Fire-pan. Firepan, Fire-pan. Firepans . Multi-Version Concordance Fire-pan
(4 Occurrences). ... (DBY). Firepan, Fire-pan. Firepans . Reference Bible.
/f/fire-pan.htm - 7k

Altar (343 Occurrences)
... On altar furniture see POT; SHOVEL; BASIN; FLESH-HOOK; FIREPAN. On the site, TEMPLE,
and generally, ARIEL; SACRIFICE; SANCTUARY; TABERNACLE; HIGH PLACE. ...
/a/altar.htm - 78k

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