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In biblical terminology, the term "charger" refers to a large, flat dish or platter used for serving food. This term appears in several passages of the Bible, primarily in the context of offerings and ceremonial practices. The use of chargers is indicative of the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East, where such items were essential for both everyday life and sacred rituals.

Old Testament References

The most notable mention of chargers is found in the Book of Numbers, where they are listed among the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar. Each leader presented a silver charger as part of their offering:

·Numbers 7:13 : "His offering was one silver dish weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin weighing seventy shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering."

This passage highlights the significance of chargers as valuable items, often made of silver, and used in the presentation of offerings to the Lord. The detailed description of their weight and material underscores their importance in the ceremonial life of Israel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the term "charger" is famously associated with the account of John the Baptist's beheading. Herodias' daughter, after pleasing Herod with her dance, requested the head of John the Baptist on a charger:

·Matthew 14:8 : "Prompted by her mother, she said, 'Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.'"

This grim request illustrates the use of a charger as a serving dish, albeit in a macabre context. The charger here symbolizes the fulfillment of a gruesome demand, reflecting the political and personal intrigues of Herod's court.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Chargers in biblical times were not merely utilitarian objects but also held ceremonial importance. Their use in religious offerings, as seen in the Book of Numbers, signifies their role in the worship practices of ancient Israel. The material and craftsmanship of chargers, often made of precious metals, indicate their value and the reverence with which offerings were made to God.

In the broader cultural context, chargers were part of the dining customs of the ancient world, used to serve food during meals and banquets. Their presence in both sacred and secular settings highlights their versatility and essential role in daily life.

Symbolism and Interpretation

From a theological perspective, chargers can be seen as symbols of offering and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, they represent the dedication and devotion of the Israelites to God, as each leader's offering was meticulously detailed and presented. In the New Testament, the charger becomes a symbol of the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution, as seen in the martyrdom of John the Baptist.

The use of chargers in biblical narratives invites reflection on the themes of service, sacrifice, and the intersection of the sacred and the profane. As objects that facilitated both worship and betrayal, chargers serve as a reminder of the complexities of human intentions and the divine purposes that unfold through them.

The Eve of the Restoration
... by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the
prince of Judah.9. And this is the number of them: thirtychargers of gold, a...

It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of...
... trumpeter. Then a call and a rush of horses into line. The litter was lifted
quickly and lashed upon the backs of twochargers. In...

How Cyrus, King of the Persians, Delivered the Jews Out Of
... Now their number is as follows: Fiftychargers of gold, and five hundred of silver;
forty Thericlean cups of gold, and five hundred of silver; fifty basons of...

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... trotting behind till they arrived at the borders of the wood; when, securely fastening
their chariot to a stout tree, they mounted theirchargers, and dashed...

Set at Liberty.
... I want my banquet, too; let it be served up on one of these goldenchargers." The
imperious demand of the girl showed how keenly she had entered into her...

Princely Service.
... "This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes
of Israel: twelvechargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons...

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... On either side rode a hundred of the noblest peers of Bagabornabou, attired in crimson
velvet, and mounted onchargers of the same pure colour as those which...

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... For I am greatly ashamed, I own, when I see many of the rich riding upon their
golden-bittedchargers with a train of domestics clad in gold, and having...

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... Else we should soon see the enemies' arrows give way to our javelins, their
caps to our helmets, their palfreys to ourchargers. 18....

Chargers (3 Occurrences)
...Chargers (3 Occurrences).... Ezra 1:9 And this is the number of them: thirtychargers
of gold, a thousandchargers of silver, nine and twenty knives, (KJV DBY WBS)....

Charger (17 Occurrences)
... Thechargers of gold and silver of Ezra 1:9 were probably basins for receiving
the blood of sacrifices. Noah Webster's Dictionary....

Nine-and-twenty (1 Occurrence)
... Nine-and-twenty (1 Occurrence). Ezra 1:9 And this is the number of them: thirty
chargers of gold, a thousandchargers of silver, nine-and-twenty knives, (DBY)....

Charges (58 Occurrences)

Platter (20 Occurrences)
... In Ezra 1:9, the American Standard Revised Version agharTal, rendered "platter,"
the King James Version and the English Revised Version "chargers"; probably a...

Spoons (11 Occurrences)
... Numbers 7:84 This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed,
by the princes of Israel: twelvechargers of silver, twelve silver bowls...

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomic law to multiply horses (Deuteronomy 17:16), but on the other hand the
statement of Ezekiel (27:14) that Israel derived horses,chargers and mules...

Why would a king ride a donkey instead of a warhorse (Zechariah 9:9-10)? | GotQuestions.org

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