Lexical Summary ach: brazier Original Word: אָח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hearth Of uncertain derivation; a fire-pot or chafing dish -- hearth. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a firepot, brazier NASB Translation brazier (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. אָח see II. אחח. II. אָח noun feminine fire-pot, brasier (Arabic Topical Lexicon Occurrences Jeremiah 36:22; Jeremiah 36:23 (twice) Historical Background The word appears exclusively in the narrative of Jeremiah 36, where King Jehoiakim hears the prophetic scroll dictated by Jeremiah and subsequently slices it and throws each portion into the burning vessel. The scene takes place c. 605–604 BC in Jehoiakim’s “winter house,” an upper account of the palace designed for cold weather. The presence of the glowing brazier illustrates both royal comfort and the stark contrast between temporal warmth and the chilling judgment that Jeremiah’s message foretold. Cultural and Domestic Setting In ancient Near Eastern architecture, a portable clay or metal brazier was a common source of heat in cooler months. When placed at the center of a private chamber, it allowed close conversation and provided a symbolic locus of hospitality. The brazier’s glow could signify fellowship and protection, yet it was also capable of destroying that which was placed upon it. Thus it became, in Jeremiah 36, an instrument of desecration rather than warmth. Theological Significance 1. Rejection of Revelation “Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire” (Jeremiah 36:23). The vessel, normally a tool for sustaining life, becomes the means by which the king attempts to silence God’s Word. The incident magnifies the hardness of Jehoiakim’s heart and foreshadows national calamity. 2. Indestructibility of the Word Though the scroll is reduced to ashes, the Lord commands Jeremiah to dictate the same words again, with added judgments (Jeremiah 36:28–32). The episode underscores that while earthly kings may burn parchment, they cannot extinguish divine authority. 3. Symbolic Fire Fire in Scripture purifies (Zechariah 13:9), judges (Leviticus 10:2), and empowers (Acts 2:3). Here it functions as judgment upon Jehoiakim himself: the very fire he wields testifies against him and anticipates the burning wrath to come (Jeremiah 36:30). Practical Application for Ministry • The brazier scene warns modern readers against the subtle ways comfort and power can facilitate contempt for Scripture. Related Biblical Imagery • Genesis 15:17 depicts a “smoking firepot” that ratifies covenant—life-giving and affirming. By contrast, the Jeremiah brazier becomes a negative mirror of Genesis 15, turning covenant faithfulness on its head. Summary Though occurring only three times, this term’s placement in a decisive act of royal rebellion grants it enduring theological weight. The brazier of Jeremiah 36 stands as a solemn reminder that human authorities may attempt to erase God’s Word, yet the sovereign Lord preserves His truth and will bring every deed to judgment. Forms and Transliterations הָאָ֑ח הָאָ֖ח הָאָֽח׃ האח האח׃ hā’āḥ hā·’āḥ haAchLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 36:22 HEB: הַתְּשִׁיעִ֑י וְאֶת־ הָאָ֖ח לְפָנָ֥יו מְבֹעָֽרֶת׃ NAS: with [a fire] burning in the brazier before KJV: month: and [there was a fire] on the hearth burning INT: month the ninth the brazier before burning Jeremiah 36:23 Jeremiah 36:23 3 Occurrences |