Building-stone in biblical times was a fundamental material used in the construction of various structures, including altars, homes, palaces, and temples. The use of stone in construction is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, symbolizing strength, durability, and permanence.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Foundation and Strength: In the Bible, stones are often associated with strength and stability. Jesus Christ is referred to as the cornerstone, the essential stone in a building's foundation. In Isaiah 28:16 , it is written, "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This passage highlights the reliability and strength of Christ as the foundation of faith.

2. Construction of the Temple: The use of building-stone is prominently featured in the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 5:17 , it is recorded, "And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones." The temple's construction with high-quality stones signifies the importance and sacredness of the place where God would dwell among His people.

3. Altar Construction: Stones were also used in the construction of altars, which were central to worship and sacrifice. In Exodus 20:25 , God instructs, "But if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it." This command emphasizes the purity and natural state of the stones used in worship, reflecting the holiness required in approaching God.

4. Symbol of Judgment and Rejection: Stones also symbolize judgment and rejection. In Psalm 118:22 , it is stated, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse, later quoted in the New Testament, refers to Jesus Christ, who was rejected by the religious leaders but became the foundation of salvation for believers.

5. Memorial Stones: Stones were used as memorials to commemorate significant events. In Joshua 4:20-22 , after crossing the Jordan River, Joshua set up twelve stones as a memorial for the Israelites. "And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, 'In the future, when your children ask their fathers, "What is the meaning of these stones?" you are to tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground."'"

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, the availability of building-stone varied by region. Limestone and sandstone were commonly used due to their abundance and workability. The process of quarrying and dressing stones was labor-intensive, requiring skilled craftsmanship. The use of stones in construction not only provided physical stability but also conveyed a sense of permanence and continuity, reflecting the enduring nature of God's promises and covenants with His people.

Theological Implications

The imagery of building-stone in the Bible extends beyond physical construction to spiritual truths. Believers are described as "living stones" in 1 Peter 2:5 , "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." This metaphor illustrates the collective and individual roles of Christians in the spiritual edifice of the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone.

In summary, building-stone in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of strength, faith, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Its use in construction, worship, and memorials underscores the importance of a solid foundation in both physical and spiritual realms.

Jacob Boehme's "Way of Salvation"
... Quaker, George Fox, the custom of calling "stone houses" churches, and he will not
admit that a building is anything but a building: "Stone houses, called ...
/.../chapter xi jacob boehmes way.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... Building stone from Magan had already been imported to Babylonia by Ur-Nina, a king
of Lagas, and grandfather of E-ana-gin, but it must have been brought in ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... arsenals, docks, fortifications, of which of course we could not judge; and backing
all, a cliff, some two hundred feet high, much quarried for building-stone. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3. <. ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Building-stone (1 Occurrence)
Building-stone. Buildings, Building-stone. Builds . Multi-Version
Concordance Building-stone (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/b/building-stone.htm - 7k

Builds (18 Occurrences)

/b/builds.htm - 11k

Buildings (28 Occurrences)

/b/buildings.htm - 14k

Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... of wood; beryls and jewels to be framed, and stones of different colours for ornament;
all sorts of stones of great price, and polished building-stone, as much ...
/o/ornament.htm - 17k

Framed (8 Occurrences)
... of wood; beryls and jewels to be framed, and stones of different colours for ornament;
all sorts of stones of great price, and polished building-stone, as much ...
/f/framed.htm - 9k

Polished (23 Occurrences)
... of wood; beryls and jewels to be framed, and stones of different colours for ornament;
all sorts of stones of great price, and polished building-stone, as much ...
/p/polished.htm - 13k

Beryls (4 Occurrences)
... of wood; beryls and jewels to be framed, and stones of different colours for ornament;
all sorts of stones of great price, and polished building-stone, as much ...
/b/beryls.htm - 7k

Brick (10 Occurrences)
... In the interior of the country, especially where the buildingstone is scarce or
of poor quality, the houses are made of sun-baked brick (libn). ...
/b/brick.htm - 15k

Bed (142 Occurrences)
... etc. 7. (n.) See Gun carriage, and Mortar bed. 8. (n.) The horizontal surface
of a buildingstone; as, the upper and lower beds. 9 ...
/b/bed.htm - 52k

Colours (20 Occurrences)
... of wood; beryls and jewels to be framed, and stones of different colours for ornament;
all sorts of stones of great price, and polished building-stone, as much ...
/c/colours.htm - 12k

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