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H801 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אִשֶּׁה
Ishsheh
Noun, masculine
Offering by fire, fire offering

Definition

Ishsheh (אִשֶּׁה) refers specifically to an offering made by fire to the LORD — the collective category of burnt offerings and other sacrifices consumed on the altar. This technical term appears primarily in Leviticus and Numbers in the prescriptions for Israel's sacrificial system, emphasizing that many offerings were presented through fire as the medium of approach to God.

Theological Significance

The fire offering embodies the core logic of sacrifice: what is consecrated to God passes through fire — the symbol of His holy presence — and is thereby "given" to Him. Every fire offering pointed forward to Christ, the ultimate offering by fire, who in one act fulfilled the entire sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:12-14). His offering is once for all — no further altar fire is needed.

Key Scripture Passages

Leviticus 1:9
Its entrails and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall burn all of it on the altar, as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Leviticus 2:2
And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, as a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Numbers 28:3
"Say to them, This is the food offering that you shall offer to the LORD: two male lambs a year old without blemish, day by day, as a regular burnt offering."
Leviticus 23:8
"But you shall present a food offering to the LORD for seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work."
Deuteronomy 18:1
The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the LORD's food offerings as their inheritance.

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