Lexical Summary choresh: Plowman, farmer Original Word: חֹרֵשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance artificer Active participle of charash; a fabricator or mechanic -- artificer. see HEBREW charash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originactive participle of charash, q.v. Topical Lexicon Overview ḥōrēš appears only twice, both times of a highly skilled metal-worker. The term thereby gathers its theological weight not from frequency but from the strategic places it is set: the dawn of human civilization (Genesis 4:22) and the apex of Israel’s liturgical life (1 Kings 7:14). In each setting the craft is portrayed as God-governed, value-laden, and destined either for misuse or consecration. Genesis 4:22 – The Antediluvian Forging of Culture “Zillah also gave birth to Tubal-cain, a forger of every implement of bronze and iron” (Berean Standard Bible). Tubal-cain stands as an emblem of early technological brilliance. His smithing accelerates cultural progress, yet the surrounding narrative of Cain’s line is marred by violence and pride (Genesis 4:23–24). Scripture therefore introduces the motif of human skill divorced from divine fear—a warning that technical advancement, however impressive, cannot of itself sanctify society. 1 Kings 7:14 – Huram the Temple Artisan “He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze; and Huram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill for all kinds of bronze work” (Berean Standard Bible). In contrast to Tubal-cain, Huram (also called Hiram) places his gift wholly at the disposal of covenant worship. His creations—the two pillars, the sea, the lavers, and countless temple fittings—visibly mediate holiness, purity, and strength to Israel. The narrative thereby redeems the vocation, demonstrating that artistry finds its highest purpose when surrendered to the Lord’s sanctuary. Historical Backdrop of Bronze and Iron Working Bronze (a tin-copper alloy) dominated the second millennium BC, excelling in durability and beauty. Iron was rarer and costlier until nearer the first millennium. The biblical witness aligns with extra-biblical archaeology: early Genesis remembers both materials together, while the monarchy period features sophisticated bronze casting. Smiths labored at stone hearths, employing bellows, crucibles, molds, and water-quenching techniques—skills prized by kings (2 Samuel 5:11) and feared by enemies who sought to disarm Israel by banning smiths (1 Samuel 13:19). Divine Endowment of Skill The Spirit of God is repeatedly said to “fill” craftsmen (Exodus 31:3; 35:31). 1 Kings 7:14 echoes this language, binding technological genius to spiritual gifting. Wisdom (ḥokmah) in Scripture is more than intellect; it is covenantal competence. Thus every legitimate vocation can become a venue for Spirit-energized service (Colossians 3:23). From Smithing to Sanctuary: Theological Trajectory 1. Creation Mandate: Humanity is commissioned to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). Metalwork exemplifies responsible dominion over natural resources. Ministry Implications • Vocational Calling: Every believer’s craft—whether artistic, technical, or manual—may be consecrated to God’s glory (Ephesians 2:10). Key Cross-References Exodus 31:2–5; 1 Samuel 13:19; 1 Chronicles 22:15–16; 2 Chronicles 2:13–14; Isaiah 41:7; Revelation 21:18–21. Summary ḥōrēš encapsulates the biblical vision of craftsmanship: ingenuity rooted in creation, endangered by sin, yet redeemed for worship when yielded to the Lord. From Tubal-cain’s forge to Huram’s temple masterpieces, Scripture testifies that human skill finds its true end not in self-advancement but in adorning the dwelling place of God among His people. Forms and Transliterations חֹרֵ֣שׁ חֹרֵ֥שׁ חרש choResh ḥō·rêš ḥōrêšLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:22 HEB: לֹטֵ֕שׁ כָּל־ חֹרֵ֥שׁ נְחֹ֖שֶׁת וּבַרְזֶ֑ל KJV: an instructer of every artificer in brass INT: the forger of all artificer of bronze and iron 1 Kings 7:14 2 Occurrences |
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