Brickworks, the process and place of making bricks, holds historical and theological significance in the biblical narrative. In ancient times, bricks were a fundamental building material, especially in regions lacking abundant stone resources. The Bible references brickmaking in several contexts, illustrating both the technological advancements of ancient civilizations and the oppressive labor conditions experienced by the Israelites.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, bricks were typically made from clay mixed with straw, then molded and dried in the sun or fired in kilns for added strength. This method is evident in the construction of the Tower of Babel, as described in Genesis 11:3: "They said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar." This passage highlights the technological ingenuity of early human societies in their quest to build monumental structures.

Brickmaking in Egypt

The most notable biblical reference to brickmaking is found in the account of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. The Egyptians subjected the Israelites to harsh labor, compelling them to produce bricks for Pharaoh's building projects. Exodus 1:14 states, "They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used themBrickworks (1 Occurrence)

Nahum 3:14
Get water for the time when you are shut in, make strong your towns: go into the potter's earth, stamping it down with your feet, make strong the brickworks.
(BBE)

Brickworks (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Brickworks (1 Occurrence). Nahum 3:14 Get water
for the time when you are shut in, make strong your towns ...
/b/brickworks.htm - 6k

Brickwork (2 Occurrences)
... 14 Get water for the time when you are shut in, make strong your towns: go into
the potter's earth, stamping it down with your feet, make strong the brickworks...
/b/brickwork.htm - 7k

Potter's (16 Occurrences)
... 14 Get water for the time when you are shut in, make strong your towns: go into
the potter's earth, stamping it down with your feet, make strong the brickworks...
/p/potter's.htm - 11k

Bridal (4 Occurrences)

/b/bridal.htm - 7k

Stamping (11 Occurrences)
... 14 Get water for the time when you are shut in, make strong your towns: go into
the potter's earth, stamping it down with your feet, make strong the brickworks...
/s/stamping.htm - 10k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus