Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Amber, a fossilized tree resin, is mentioned in the Bible in the context of its appearance and symbolic significance. While the term "amber" as understood today may not directly correspond to the ancient Hebrew or Greek terms, it is often associated with a substance that has a similar appearance, such as electrum or a highly polished bronze.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to a substance resembling amber is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel's vision of the glory of God, he describes a radiant appearance that includes a material resembling amber: · Ezekiel 1:4 : "I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and a brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a glow like that of amber." · Ezekiel 1:27 : "From what appeared to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. And from what appeared to be His waist down, I saw something like fire, and a brilliant light surrounded Him." · Ezekiel 8:2 : "Then I looked and saw a figure like that of a man. From what appeared to be His waist down was fire, and from His waist up His appearance was as bright as the gleam of amber." In these passages, the prophet Ezekiel uses the imagery of amber to describe the divine presence and glory of God. The brilliance and radiance of amber serve to convey the majesty and holiness of God, emphasizing His transcendent and awe-inspiring nature. Symbolism and Interpretation: Amber, with its warm, golden hue and translucent quality, is often associated with purity, holiness, and divine presence. In Ezekiel's visions, the use of amber-like imagery underscores the overwhelming and majestic nature of God's appearance. The fiery and glowing characteristics of amber highlight the consuming and purifying aspects of God's holiness. The use of amber in these visions can also be seen as a representation of God's unapproachable light and glory, which is both beautiful and fearsome. The imagery serves to remind believers of the reverence and awe due to God, whose presence is both comforting and overwhelming. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, materials like amber, electrum, and polished bronze were highly valued for their beauty and rarity. These materials were often used in art, jewelry, and religious artifacts, symbolizing wealth, power, and divine favor. The biblical use of amber-like imagery would have resonated with the original audience, who would have been familiar with the cultural significance of such materials. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the depiction of God's glory using amber-like imagery in Ezekiel's visions serves to communicate the transcendence and immanence of God. It reflects the biblical theme of God's holiness and the transformative power of His presence. The radiant and fiery appearance of God in these visions calls believers to a deeper understanding of His majesty and a greater commitment to living in accordance with His will. In summary, while the exact nature of the substance referred to as "amber" in the Bible may be subject to interpretation, its symbolic use in Scripture provides a powerful depiction of God's glory and holiness, inviting believers to contemplate the divine nature and respond with reverence and worship. Smith's Bible Dictionary Amber(Heb. chasmal) occurs only in (Ezekiel 1:4,27; 8:2) It is usually supposed that the Hebrew word chasmal (denotes a metal) and not the fossil resin called amber . ATS Bible Dictionary AmberIs a yellow or straw-colored gummy substance, originally a vegetable production, but reckoned in the mineral kingdom. It is found in lumps in the sea and on the shores of Prussia, Sicily, Turkey, etc. Externally it is rough; it is very transparent, and on being rubbed, yields a fragrant odor. It was formerly supposed to be medicinal, but is now employed only in the manufacture of trinkets, ornaments, etc. The Hebrew word chasmil is translated by the Septuagint and Vulgate electrum, that is, amber, because the Hebrew denotes a very brilliant amber-like metal, composed of silver and gold, which was much prized in antiquity, Ezekiel 1:4,27; 8:2. Others, as Bochart, refer here to the mixture of gold and brass, of which the ancients had several kinds, some of which exhibited a high degree of luster. Something similar to this was probably also the "fine brass," in Ezra 8:27; Revelation 1:15. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Ezek. 1:4, 27; 8:2. Hebrews, hashmal, rendered by the LXX. elektron, and by the Vulgate electrum), a metal compounded of silver and gold. Some translate the word by "polished brass," others "fine brass," as in Revelation 1:15; 2:18. It was probably the mixture now called electrum. The word has no connection, however, with what is now called amber, which is a gummy substance, reckoned as belonging to the mineral kingdom though of vegetable origin, a fossil resin. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A yellowish translucent resin resembling copal, found as a fossil in alluvial soils, with beds of lignite, or on the seashore in many places. It takes a fine polish, and is used for pipe mouthpieces, beads, etc., and as a basis for a fine varnish. By friction, it becomes strongly electric.2. (n.) Amber color, or anything amber-colored; a clear light yellow; as, the amber of the sky. 3. (n.) Ambergris. 4. (n.) The balsam, liquidambar. 5. (a.) Consisting of amber; made of amber. 6. (a.) Resembling amber, especially in color; amber-colored. 7. (v. t.) To scent or flavor with ambergris; as, ambered wine. 8. (v. t.) To preserve in amber; as, an ambered fly. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AMBERam'-ber. See STONES, PRECIOUS. Strong's Hebrew 2830. chashmal -- perhaps amber... 2829, 2830. chashmal. 2831 . perhaps amber. Transliteration: chashmal Phonetic Spelling: (khash-mal') Short Definition: metal. ... amber. ... /hebrew/2830.htm - 5k 3958. leshem -- (a precious stone) perhaps amber or jacinth 916. bedolach -- probably bdellium Library Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments. Introductory Notice to Dionysius, Bishop of Rome. A Memorial Sketch by W. Robertson Nicoll Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures God. Treats of the Same Subject as the Last ChapterAnd Describes the ... The Monk of Thagaste Against Embellishing the Body. The Assumption that There are Two Earths Mentioned in the History ... The Interior Castle, or The Mansions Thesaurus Amber (3 Occurrences)... The word has no connection, however, with what is now called amber, which is a gummy substance, reckoned as belonging to the mineral kingdom though of ... /a/amber.htm - 9k Metal (69 Occurrences) Electrum (3 Occurrences) Colour (22 Occurrences) Ambition (9 Occurrences) Color (18 Occurrences) Loins (72 Occurrences) Yellowish (3 Occurrences) Infolding (1 Occurrence) Rosin Resources Amber: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Amber (3 Occurrences)Ezekiel 1:4 Ezekiel 1:27 Ezekiel 8:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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