Topical Encyclopedia Brickkilns are structures or pits used for the firing and hardening of bricks, a process essential for construction in ancient times. The use of brickkilns is mentioned in the Bible, reflecting the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, where bricks were a common building material due to the scarcity of stone in certain regions.Biblical References: 1. 2 Samuel 12:31 : "He brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them labor at the brickkilns. He did this to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all the troops returned to Jerusalem." This passage describes King David's conquest of the Ammonite cities, where he subjected the captured people to labor, including work at the brickkilns. This reflects the use of forced labor in ancient times and the importance of brick production for building and fortification. 2. Nahum 3:14 : "Draw your water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay and tread the mortar; repair the brickkiln." In this prophetic warning to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, the prophet Nahum calls for preparations against an impending siege. The reference to repairing the brickkiln underscores the necessity of maintaining infrastructure and fortifications, highlighting the strategic importance of bricks in city defenses. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient world, particularly in Mesopotamia and Egypt, bricks were a primary building material. The process of making bricks involved mixing clay with water, forming the mixture into molds, and then drying the bricks in the sun or firing them in kilns to increase their strength and durability. Brickkilns were essential for this process, providing the high temperatures needed to harden the bricks. The Israelites, during their time in Egypt, were subjected to harsh labor, including brickmaking, as described in Exodus 1:14 : "They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor, the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly." Although the term "brickkiln" is not used here, the context of brickmaking is evident. Symbolism and Theological Insights: Brickkilns, as places of labor and production, can symbolize human effort and industry. In the biblical narrative, they often appear in contexts of oppression or judgment, as seen in the forced labor of the Israelites in Egypt and the subjugation of the Ammonites by David. These instances reflect broader themes of human sinfulness, the consequences of rebellion against God, and the eventual deliverance and justice that God brings to His people. The imagery of brickkilns also serves as a reminder of the transitory nature of human achievements. Despite the strength and durability of bricks, the cities and empires built with them ultimately fall under God's sovereign judgment, as illustrated in the prophetic literature concerning Nineveh and other ancient cities. In summary, brickkilns in the Bible are more than mere historical references; they carry rich symbolic meaning and theological significance, pointing to the broader narrative of God's interaction with humanity throughout history. Concordance Brickkilns (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 12:31 Thesaurus Brickkilns (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Brickkilns (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 12:31 And he brought out the people that were in it, and put them under ... /b/brickkilns.htm - 6k Brick-kiln (3 Occurrences) Brickmaking (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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