Snuffdishes, also referred to as "snuffers" or "trimming shears," are tools mentioned in the Bible that were used in the maintenance of the lamps in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. These implements were essential for the proper upkeep of the lampstands, ensuring that the wicks were trimmed and the light remained pure and bright.

Biblical References:

The primary references to snuffdishes are found in the descriptions of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In Exodus 25:38, the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle include the making of snuffdishes: "Its wick trimmers and their trays are to be of pure gold." This verse highlights the importance and sacredness of these tools, as they were crafted from pure gold, signifying their holy purpose in the service of God.

In the context of the Tabernacle, the snuffdishes were part of the golden lampstand, or menorah, which was a central element in the Holy Place. The menorah was to burn continually, as commanded in Exodus 27:20-21: "And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations."

Symbolism and Function:

The snuffdishes served a practical function in the daily rituals of the priests, who were responsible for maintaining the lamps. By trimming the wicks, the priests ensured that the light would not be dimmed by excess soot or smoke, allowing the lamps to burn brightly and steadily. This act of trimming can be seen as a symbol of spiritual vigilance and purity, reflecting the need for continual renewal and dedication in one's walk with God.

The use of pure gold for the snuffdishes underscores the holiness and sanctity of the Tabernacle's service. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, represents the divine nature and the eternal light of God's presence among His people. The meticulous care given to the lampstand and its accessories illustrates the reverence and devotion required in worship and service to the Lord.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, lamps and their maintenance were significant in both domestic and religious settings. The presence of snuffdishes in the biblical narrative aligns with the broader cultural practices of the time, where light was a vital element in daily life and religious ceremonies. The continual light of the menorah symbolized God's unending presence and guidance for the Israelites, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

The role of the priests in tending to the lamps and using the snuffdishes highlights the importance of their mediatory function between God and His people. By ensuring the lamps remained lit, the priests facilitated a constant reminder of God's covenant and His faithfulness to Israel.

In summary, snuffdishes, though seemingly minor in the grand scheme of the Tabernacle's furnishings, played a crucial role in the daily worship practices of ancient Israel. Their presence in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the care and dedication required in maintaining a vibrant and faithful relationship with God.SNUFFERS; SNUFFDISHES

snuf'-erz, snuf'-dish-ez (melqachayim, machtoth): These two utensils are thrice mentioned in connection with the wilderness tabernacle (Exodus 25:38; Exodus 37:23 Numbers 4:9). the American Standard Revised Version prefers to read "snuffers and snuffdishes" in place of "tongs and snuffdishes" (compare 2 Chronicles 4:22), the connection between the two utensils being indicated by the fact that both are said to belong to the seven lamps, and were to be made out of the talent of gold which was specified as the weight of the whole (Exodus 25:37-39).

The seven-branched candlestick which stood in the holy place of both tabernacle and temple was surmounted, in each of its arms, by a removable lamp in which olive oil was burnt. From the requirement of keeping these lights brilliantly burning throughout each night of the year, arose the need for snuffers and snuffdishes. By the former, the burnt portions of the wick were removed; in the latter they were deposited previous to removal. The lamps may have required to be trimmed as often as every half-hour. For this purpose a priest would enter the outer chamber "accomplishing the services" (Hebrews 9:6).

In the time of Solomon's Temple another word than melqachayim was used to describe this utensil. It is mezammeroth, from a verb meaning "to prune" or "trim," and is found in 1 Kings 7:50 2 Kings 12:13; 2 Kings 25:14; 2 Chronicles 4:22 Jeremiah 52:18. In 4 of these passages, the English text reads, "the snuffers and the basins"; the 5th is merely a summary of things taken to Babylon (2 Kings 25:14). In this constant later association of "basins" and "snuffers" it is seen that the basins referred to were used for the reception of the cast-off portions of the wicks of the seven lamps, and took the place of the snuffdishes of an earlier age.

See TONGS.

W. Shaw Caldecott

Snuffdishes (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SNUFFERS; SNUFFDISHES. snuf'-erz,
snuf'-dish-ez (melqachayim, machtoth): These two utensils are ...
/s/snuffdishes.htm - 9k

Snuffers (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n. pl.) An instrument for cropping and holding the snuff
of a candle. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SNUFFERS; SNUFFDISHES. ...
/s/snuffers.htm - 11k

Tongs (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tongs (6 Occurrences). Exodus 25:38 And the tongs thereof,
and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. (KJV JPS WBS). ...
/t/tongs.htm - 9k

Snuff (6 Occurrences)

/s/snuff.htm - 8k

Firepan (2 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/f/firepan.htm - 9k

Snuff-dishes (3 Occurrences)
Snuff-dishes. Snuffdishes, Snuff-dishes. Snuffed . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Snuffdishes, Snuff-dishes. Snuffed . Reference Bible.
/s/snuff-dishes.htm - 7k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the
light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil ...
/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the
light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil ...
/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

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