Lexical Summary tsaheb or tsahob: shiny Original Word: צָהַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fine A primitive root; to glitter, i.e. Be golden in color -- X fine. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to gleam NASB Translation shiny (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [צָהֵב, צָהֹב, compare LagBN 31] verb gleam (Late Hebrew id. (of face, bronze, etc.); Arabic Hoph`al Participle נְחשֶׁת מֻצְהָב Ezra 8:27 polished bronze (so Late Hebrew and-apparently Hebraism - ᵑ72Chronicles 4:16). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Essence The term embodies the idea of brilliant luster––bronze so highly refined and polished that it gleams with a gold-like radiance. It points to something crafted with uncommon skill and care, intended to stand out in both beauty and value among temple articles. Old Testament Occurrence Ezra 8:27 records Ezra’s inventory of precious offerings carried from Babylon to Jerusalem: “twenty bowls of gold weighing one thousand darics, and two articles of fine polished bronze, as precious as gold” (Berean Standard Bible). Here the word describes the “two articles” whose sheen placed them on a par with gold in worth and honor. Historical Setting Ezra led the second major return of exiles (circa 458 B.C.). The journey required four months across perilous terrain, with bandits and political intrigue posing real threats (Ezra 8:31-32). Temple worship had recommenced under Zerubbabel, yet sacred service still lacked vessels worthy of the Lord. The donated items listed in Ezra 8 became part of a larger national renewal, reinforcing both identity and covenant fidelity. Material Culture and Metallurgy Persian metallurgy was advanced, employing alloying and repeated heating to drive out impurities. Polished bronze could rival gold in brilliance while providing greater durability. Such workmanship implied significant economic investment and technological proficiency, pointing to the generosity of donors as well as the favor Ezra enjoyed at the Persian court (Ezra 7:27-28). Symbolic and Theological Implications 1. Purity through Refinement – Polished bronze recalls the refiner’s fire motif (Malachi 3:2-3). As dross is removed, the metal mirrors the face of the craftsman; so purified worshippers are meant to reflect God’s holiness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Contribution to Temple Service The two articles likely served at the altar or in the holy place, where constant handling demanded strength and brilliance. Their presence underscored the restored temple’s legitimacy and the continuity of pre-exilic worship patterns, assuring returned exiles that the Lord’s glory had not diminished. Ministry Application Today • Stewardship – Like the donors who entrusted these costly items to Ezra, believers are stewards of resources meant for God’s honor (1 Corinthians 4:2). Related Concepts and Cross-References Gold (Exodus 25:11), Bronze (Exodus 27:2), Refining Fire (Zechariah 13:9), Shining Testimony (Philippians 2:15). Forms and Transliterations מֻצְהָ֤ב מצהב muṣ·hāḇ muṣhāḇ mutzHavLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 8:27 HEB: וּכְלֵ֨י נְחֹ֜שֶׁת מֻצְהָ֤ב טוֹבָה֙ שְׁנַ֔יִם NAS: of fine shiny bronze, INT: utensils bronze shiny of fine and two 1 Occurrence |