Flesh-hooks are mentioned in the Old Testament as implements used in the sacrificial rituals of the Israelites. These tools were primarily associated with the tabernacle and later the temple services, playing a significant role in the handling of sacrificial offerings.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 27:3 · In the instructions for the construction of the altar of burnt offering, God commands Moses, "Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, its shovels, its basins, its forks, and its firepans." The "forks" mentioned here are understood to be flesh-hooks, used by the priests to handle the meat of the sacrifices.

2. 1 Samuel 2:13-14 · The misuse of flesh-hooks is highlighted in the account of the sons of Eli, the priest. The passage states, "Now it was the custom of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork in his hand while the meat was boiling and plunge it into the pan, kettle, cauldron, or pot. Whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh." This practice was a deviation from the prescribed sacrificial procedures, indicating corruption and greed among the priesthood.

3. 2 Chronicles 4:16 · In the description of the temple furnishings made by Huram for King Solomon, it is noted, "The pots, shovels, and meat forks—all their articles—Huram-abi made of polished bronze for King Solomon for the house of the LORD." This reference underscores the continued use of flesh-hooks in the temple service, crafted with care and skill for the worship of God.

Function and Symbolism:

Flesh-hooks were typically made of bronze, a metal often associated with judgment and sacrifice in the biblical context. Their primary function was practical, allowing priests to manage the portions of meat on the altar without direct contact, thus maintaining ritual purity. The use of flesh-hooks ensured that the sacrificial process was orderly and in accordance with divine instructions.

Symbolically, flesh-hooks can be seen as a representation of the priestly duty to mediate between God and the people, handling the offerings that were meant to atone for sin and express devotion. The misuse of flesh-hooks, as seen in the narrative of Eli's sons, serves as a cautionary tale about the corruption of sacred duties and the importance of adhering to God's commands.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, similar tools were used in various religious practices, but the specific instructions given to the Israelites set their worship apart as uniquely ordained by God. The detailed descriptions of the tabernacle and temple furnishings, including flesh-hooks, reflect the importance of order, precision, and holiness in the worship of Yahweh.

The presence of flesh-hooks in the biblical narrative highlights the tangible aspects of worship in ancient Israel, where physical objects and actions were imbued with spiritual significance. These tools, while seemingly mundane, were integral to the sacrificial system that pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets.4207b. mizlagah -- an implement used in offering sacrifices
... Word Origin from the same as mazleg Definition an implement used in offering sacrifices
NASB Word Usage flesh hooks (1), forks (4). 4207a, 4207b. ...
/hebrew/4207b.htm - 5k

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... must be made of, and also how much was to go to each; the same order and commandment
he also gave for the making of the tables, flesh-hooks, cups, basins ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... And the pots, and the flesh-hooks, and the bowls, and the censers, and all the
vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of the victims than they were entitled to, extracting from the caldron the meat
offerings of the faithful after the sacrifice was over by means of flesh-hooks. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Fleshhooks (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fleshhooks (5 Occurrences). Exodus 27:3 And thou
shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels ...
/f/fleshhooks.htm - 8k

Flesh-hooks (5 Occurrences)
Flesh-hooks. Fleshhooks, Flesh-hooks. Fleshly . Multi-Version Concordance ... (ASV
JPS WBS). Fleshhooks, Flesh-hooks. Fleshly . Reference Bible.
/f/flesh-hooks.htm - 8k

Fire-pans (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make its pots to take away its ashes, and its shovels,
and its basins, and its flesh-hooks, and its firepans: all the vessels ...
/f/fire-pans.htm - 9k

Firepans (9 Occurrences)
... altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the fleshhooks, and the ... thereof,
wherewith they minister about it, the firepans, the flesh-hooks, and the ...
/f/firepans.htm - 9k

Hooks (41 Occurrences)
... pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins, its fleshhooks, and its ... altar,
the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the fleshhooks, and the ...
/h/hooks.htm - 19k

Pans (19 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its fleshhooks, and its fire pans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/p/pans.htm - 12k

Basins (33 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its fleshhooks, and its fire pans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/b/basins.htm - 16k

Shovels (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its fleshhooks, and its fire pans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/s/shovels.htm - 9k

Sprinkling (48 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins,
its fleshhooks, and its fire pans: all its vessels you shall make of brass ...
/s/sprinkling.htm - 29k

Fleshly (15 Occurrences)

/f/fleshly.htm - 11k

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