Chisels are tools with a cutting edge at the end of a metal blade, used for carving or cutting hard materials such as wood, stone, or metal. In the context of the Bible, chisels are mentioned in relation to craftsmanship, particularly in the construction of sacred objects and structures.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 20:25 · In the instructions given to the Israelites, God commands that if they build an altar of stone, they must not use a chisel on it: "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 directive underscores the importance of maintaining the purity and sanctity of objects dedicated to God, emphasizing that human alteration could render them impure.

2. 1 Kings 6:7 · During the construction of Solomon's Temple, the use of chisels is implied in the description of the building process: "The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built." This passage highlights the reverence and care taken in the construction of the temple, ensuring that the site remained a place of peace and holiness.

3. Isaiah 44:12-13 · The prophet Isaiah describes the work of craftsmen who use chisels in the creation of idols: "The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, and forges it with the might of his arm. The carpenter measures with a line and marks an outline with a stylus. He shapes it with chisels and marks it with compasses. He fashions it in human form, with human beauty, to dwell in a shrine." This passage serves as a critique of idolatry, illustrating the futility of worshiping man-made objects.

Symbolism and Significance:

In the biblical narrative, chisels symbolize human skill and craftsmanship, but they also serve as a reminder of the limitations and potential pitfalls of human creativity when it is not aligned with divine will. The prohibition against using chisels on altars and the silent construction of the temple suggest a divine preference for simplicity and purity over human embellishment.

Chisels, as tools of craftsmanship, also reflect the broader biblical theme of work and creativity as gifts from God. The ability to shape and create is seen as a reflection of the Creator's own work, yet it is always to be exercised within the boundaries set by God.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, chisels were essential tools for artisans and builders. They were used in the construction of buildings, the creation of sculptures, and the crafting of various objects. The biblical references to chisels provide insight into the technological capabilities of the time and the cultural practices surrounding construction and craftsmanship.

Overall, chisels in the Bible are associated with both the positive aspects of human creativity and the potential for misuse when that creativity is directed away from God.

The Work of Regeneration.
... According to age and development this nature of the ego chisels out of the marble
of our being an evil and sinful man, corresponding to the image contained in ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxii the work of regeneration.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... The cella contained one central and ten side niches, in which eleven masterpieces
of Greek chisels were placed, namely, the Apollo and Hera, by Baton; Leto ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

The Release of Saint George.
... themselves.". The Fairy having thus spoken, supplied the Knight and his Squire
with hammers, chisels, spades, mattocks, and crowbars. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eleven the release of.htm

The Neo-Kohlbruggians.
... Again, the sculptor actually chisels the image, in his mind, or posing as
a model, about the marble until it encloses the whole black. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/vii the neo-kohlbruggians.htm

Letter iv. To the Same, on his Wisdom and Gentleness. ...
... who shape the forms of animals out of stone, undertake a business of a pretty difficult
kind, when they strike very hard rocks with their chisels, while those ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /letter iv to the same.htm

Whether the Angels Receive Grace and Glory According to the Degree ...
... the grades of the angelic nature seem to be ordained for the various degrees of
grace and glory; just as when, for example, the builder chisels the stones for ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the angels receive grace.htm

'The Riches of Grace'
... As an artist in his noblest work paints or chisels simply for love of pouring out
his soul, so, but in infinitely loftier fashion, the great Artist delights to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the riches of grace.htm

The Memphite Empire
... In the mines, as in their own houses, the workmen employed stone tools only, with
handles of wood, or of plaited willow twigs, but their chisels or hammers ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Salted with Fire
... The union is chemical, not mechanical. And so hammers and chisels will only
get a very little of the metal out. The one solvent is fire. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/salted with fire.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Hanging upon pegs in the wooden walls of his work-room were saws and the heavier
drills, chisels of bronze and mauls of tamarisk, suspended by thongs of deer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Chisels (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chisels (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 44:13 The woodworker
is measuring out the wood with his line, marking it ...
/c/chisels.htm - 6k

Tools (3 Occurrences)
... chisel. Chisels, of course, are almost as old as humanity, and were used
on both wood and stone and doubtless also on metals. In ...
/t/tools.htm - 14k

Chisleu (2 Occurrences)

/c/chisleu.htm - 7k

Chiseling (1 Occurrence)

/c/chiseling.htm - 6k

Iron (104 Occurrences)
... 23:7), horns (1 Kings 22:11), fetters (Psalm 105:18), chariots (Joshua 17:16), yokes
(Jeremiah 28:14), breastplates (Revelation 9:9), pens (chisels) (Job 19:24 ...
/i/iron.htm - 50k

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