מְשַׁח

מְשַׁח

oil

Definition

The Aramaic noun מְשַׁח (mᵉshach) refers specifically to 'oil,' particularly the fine, high-quality oil used in religious and royal contexts. In the two biblical passages where it appears, it denotes oil as a material commodity to be supplied for the temple service in Jerusalem. In Ezra 6:9, it is listed among the provisions (alongside young bulls, rams, and lambs) that the Persian king Darius decrees must be given daily to the Jewish priests for offerings. Similarly, in Ezra 7:22, King Artaxerxes grants authorization for up to specified amounts of wheat, salt, wine, and oil to be provided. The word does not carry a broader metaphorical sense in these texts but points to a concrete, valuable substance for worship.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, which record official Persian decrees and documents. It appears only twice, both times in nearly identical administrative contexts: listing oil as a staple commodity to be supplied by the Persian imperial treasury for the maintenance of the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:9, 7:22). Its usage is purely practical and logistical, reflecting the language of imperial grants and provisions for cultic practice.

Etymology

מְשַׁח is an Aramaic noun, not a Hebrew one, derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew root מָשַׁח (māshach, H4886), which means 'to smear, anoint.' This root connection is significant, as the verb is used for the anointing of priests, kings, and sacred objects with oil. The noun מְשַׁח itself, however, in its biblical attestations, simply denotes the physical substance—the oil used in such rituals—rather than the act of anointing.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a mundane term for a commodity, its context is theologically rich. Its appearance in the decrees of Persian kings (Ezra 6:9, 7:22) demonstrates God's sovereign providence in using even pagan empires to fund and facilitate the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem. The oil supplied was essential for the grain offerings, lampstand, and anointing oil, all central to temple ritual. Thus, this simple provision points to God's faithfulness in preserving the means of worship for His people after the exile. In the ancient Near East, oil (typically olive oil) was a fundamental commodity for food, light, medicine, and religious ceremony. The 'oil' specified in these Persian decrees was likely fine, pure olive oil of the highest grade, suitable for use in the temple. Its inclusion on a royal supply list highlights its value and necessity. The Persian administration's provision of it was a standard form of imperial support for local temples, intended to secure divine favor and political loyalty. שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) — The standard Hebrew word for 'oil,' used far more frequently and across all contexts (culinary, medicinal, ritual). מְשַׁח is its Aramaic counterpart in these specific texts.

Word Details