Description and usage
The firepan was used to move or turn coals on the altar and to carry them to the altar of incense for other purposes (see Incense altar).
Translation
It has been suggested that the Hebrew word machtah also designated a special container for holding the holy fire while the altar was being cleaned or when the Tabernacle was being moved. This would make it a kind of “fire receptacle.” Translators may also express this as “container for carrying away the hot ashes.”
In some of the references listed above, the word machtah is associated with the burning of incense (LEV 10:1; NUM 16:6; NUM 16:17; NUM 16:18). Where a specific word for “censer” exists, it may be used in these passages, although care should be taken that the word does not suggest a modern censer. A more general word for “firepan” is also acceptable, since it seems that in most of the references listed above the word machtah refers to an implement that was used for carrying coals onto which incense was placed sometimes see also Incense altar and Censer.
