Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, "snuffs" referred to the tools used for trimming the wicks of lamps or candles, ensuring that they burned brightly and efficiently. The term is often associated with the maintenance of the menorah, the seven-branched lampstand that stood in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The practice of trimming the wicks was essential for maintaining the light, which held significant spiritual symbolism in the worship practices of ancient Israel.
Biblical References:The concept of snuffs is primarily found in the context of the Tabernacle and Temple service. In
Exodus 25:38, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Its wick trimmers and their trays are to be of pure gold." This verse highlights the importance and sacredness of the tools used in the service of the Lord, emphasizing that even the snuffers were to be made of pure gold, reflecting the holiness and purity required in the worship of God.
In
Numbers 4:9, the BSB describes the duties of the Kohathites, a Levitical family responsible for the care of the sanctuary items: "They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand for the light, along with its lamps, wick trimmers, trays, and all its oil jars with which they service it." This passage underscores the meticulous care and reverence given to the items used in the Tabernacle, including the snuffers, as part of the sacred service.
Symbolism and Significance:The act of trimming the wicks with snuffs was not merely a practical task but carried deep spiritual significance. The light of the menorah symbolized God's presence, guidance, and truth. By ensuring that the lamps burned brightly, the priests were maintaining a symbol of divine illumination and the continuous presence of God among His people. The use of pure gold for the snuffers further signifies the value and purity of the light they helped maintain.
In a broader theological context, the maintenance of the lampstand can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's responsibility to keep their spiritual light shining brightly. Just as the priests were tasked with trimming the wicks to prevent the light from dimming, Christians are called to nurture their faith and witness, ensuring that their lives reflect the light of Christ to the world.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, lamps were a common source of light, and the practice of trimming wicks was well understood. The use of snuffers in the Tabernacle and Temple service reflects the integration of common cultural practices into the worship of Yahweh, sanctifying everyday tasks for divine purposes. The detailed instructions for the construction and maintenance of the menorah and its accessories, including the snuffers, highlight the importance of order, beauty, and reverence in the worship of God.
Overall, the biblical references to snuffs and their use in the Tabernacle and Temple service provide insight into the meticulous care and reverence required in the worship of God, as well as the symbolic significance of maintaining the light of God's presence among His people.
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So, Then, if These Things are So, we Desire to Learn This...
... it is set on fire in like manner, and is destroyed, and falls into ashes,"unless
perchance the god seizes upon the souls of the victims, orsnuffs up eagerly...
God Incomprehensible and Sovereign.
... 3 But man, vain man, would fain be wise, Born like a wild young colt he flies Thro'
all the follies of his mind, And swells andsnuffs the empty wind....
God Incomprehensible and Sovereign.
... Born like a wild young colt, he flies. Through all the follies of his mind,. And
swells, andsnuffs the empty wind.]. God is a King of power unknown,....
Recommendation.
... heat and warmth come out of the same airth, and proceed from the same author, for
our fire burns as he blows, our lamp shines as hesnuffs and furnisheth oil....
Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... in spite of devils. Nor let notsnuffs nor puffs make us to doubt, Our
candles may be lighted, though puffed out. The candle in...
God's Will About the Future
... He knows a thing or two. He has got the great secret that so many are seeking
in vain. All of you ordinary people, he justsnuffs you out....
Thesaurus
Snuffs (1 Occurrence)...Snuffs (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 2:24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that
snuffs up the wind in her desire; in her occasion who can turn her away?
...Snuff-trays (3 Occurrences)
Snuff-trays.Snuffs, Snuff-trays. So . Multi-Version Concordance Snuff-trays
(3 Occurrences)....Snuffs, Snuff-trays. So . Reference Bible.
Snuffeth (1 Occurrence)
Occasion (53 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Jeremiah 2:24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, thatsnuffs up the
wind in her desire; in her occasion who can turn her away?...
Weary (77 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 2:24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, thatsnuffs up the
wind in her desire; in her occasion who can turn her away?...
Donkey (84 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS NIV). Jeremiah 2:24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, thatsnuffs up
the wind in her desire; in her occasion who can turn her away?...
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