Damask is a richly patterned, woven fabric that holds historical and cultural significance, particularly in the context of biblical times. The term "damask" is derived from the city of Damascus, which was a major center for trade and craftsmanship in the ancient Near East. The city was renowned for its production of luxurious textiles, including the intricate fabric that came to be known as damask.

Biblical References and Context

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "damask" by name, the luxurious nature of the fabric and its association with wealth and opulence can be inferred from various passages that describe fine clothing and textiles. In biblical times, garments made from rich materials were often indicators of status and prosperity.

The city of Damascus itself is frequently mentioned in the Bible, underscoring its importance as a cultural and economic hub. For instance, in the Book of Genesis, Abraham's servant Eliezer is described as being from Damascus (Genesis 15:2: "But Abram replied, 'O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'"). This reference highlights the city's longstanding significance.

Symbolism and Usage

Damask, as a fabric, symbolizes luxury, beauty, and craftsmanship. Its intricate patterns and the skill required to produce it reflect the artistry and dedication of ancient weavers. In a biblical context, such textiles would have been used in the garments of the wealthy and in the adornment of sacred spaces.

The use of fine fabrics in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple further illustrates the importance of quality materials in worship and religious observance. Exodus 26:1 describes the construction of the Tabernacle: "You are to construct the Tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely twisted linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." While not explicitly damask, the description of finely woven materials with intricate designs parallels the characteristics of damask fabric.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The production of damask in Damascus contributed to the city's reputation as a center of luxury and trade. The fabric's association with Damascus highlights the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the exchange of goods and ideas across regions. The craftsmanship involved in creating damask reflects the broader biblical theme of human creativity and the use of God-given talents to produce works of beauty and utility.

In summary, while the Bible does not directly reference damask, the fabric's qualities and its connection to the city of Damascus provide insight into the cultural and economic backdrop of biblical narratives. The luxurious nature of damask serves as a reminder of the wealth and artistry present in the ancient world, as well as the enduring legacy of biblical cities like Damascus.1. (n.) Damask silk; silk woven with an elaborate pattern of flowers and the like.

2. (n.) Linen so woven that a pattern in produced by the different directions of the thread, without contrast of color.

3. (n.) A heavy woolen or worsted stuff with a pattern woven in the same way as the linen damask; -- made for furniture covering and hangings.

4. (n.) Damask or Damascus steel; also, the peculiar markings or water of such steel.

5. (n.) A deep pink or rose color.

6. (a.) Pertaining to, or originating at, the city of Damascus; resembling the products or manufactures of Damascus.

7. (a.) Having the color of the damask rose.

8. (v. t.) To decorate in a way peculiar to Damascus or attributed to Damascus; particularly: (a) with flowers and rich designs, as silk; (b) with inlaid lines of gold, etc., or with a peculiar marking or water, as metal. See Damaskeen.

1833. demesheq -- perhaps silk
... in Damascus. By orthographical variation from Dammeseq; damask (as a fabric of Damascus)
-- in Damascus. see HEBREW Dammeseq. 1832, 1833. demesheq. 1834 . ...
/hebrew/1833.htm - 6k

1264. berom -- variegated cloth
... rich apparel. Probably of foreign origin; damask (stuff of variegated thread) --
rich apparel. 1263, 1264. berom. 1265 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1264.htm - 5k

Useful Phrases
... cynical disregard. D. damaging admission. damask cheek [damask = rich patterned
fabric; wavy pattern on Damascus steel]. dampened ardor. dancing sunshine. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

A Little Maid
... seem as though he were not asking favors, he took with him an immense amount of
silver and gold, and ten suits of raiment"perhaps of linen damask, that was ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm

Kingo's Childhood and Youth
... He learned the trade of linen and damask weaving, and established a modest business
of his own at Slangerup, a town in the northern part of Sj??lland and close ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter three kingos childhood and.htm

On Saturday, or at Compline.
... above all measure lovely, of our Blessed Lady, and that it was worked in cloth,
and the mantle of the picture was red and purple, with damask embroidery, which ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/on saturday or at compline.htm

Ode on the Installation of the Duke of Devonshire, Chancellor of ...
... main, Breasting the Thames with his mariners bold, Past good Queen Bess's palace
of old; With jewel and ingot packed in his hold, And sails of damask and cloth ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/ode on the installation of.htm

Thankful Service.
... They would have fine damask and soft covering for their table, whilst they have
dirty linen and a moth eaten cloth for the Altar of their God. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lix thankful service.htm

Clii Quia Amore Langueo
... My soul of peace, while peace in vain she seeks; Tell Him those damask roses,
that did strive. With white, both fade, upon my sallow cheeks; ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/clii quia amore langueo.htm

Perseverance in Holiness
... Hungry men are not eager for a display of plate or of damask; nor even for a show
of flowers bedecking the table. They are best satisfied with solid food. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/perseverance in holiness.htm

When a Revival is to be Expected.
... You may go and build a splendid new house of worship, and line your seats with damask,
put up a costly pulpit, and get a magnificent organ, and every thing of ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture ii when a revival.htm

There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the ...
... Manuel had till now stood aside, half hidden in the shadow of the crimson damask
which, falling from ceiling to floor in rich luxurious folds, draped the ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxviii there are certain moments.htm

Damask (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Damask silk; silk woven with an elaborate pattern
of flowers and the like. ... 7. (a.) Having the color of the damask rose. ...
/d/damask.htm - 7k

Water (4571 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A wavy, lustrous pattern or decoration such as is imparted to linen,
silk, metals, etc. See Water, vt, 3, Damask, vt, and Damaskeen. ...
/w/water.htm - 23k

Wave (65 Occurrences)
... a flag, etc. 14. (n.) The undulating line or streak of luster on cloth watered,
or calendered, or on damask steel. 15. (vi) Fig.: A ...
/w/wave.htm - 30k

Dammesek
Dammesek. Damask, Dammesek. Dammim . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DAMMESEK
ELIEZER. ... See ELIEZER (1). Damask, Dammesek. Dammim . Reference Bible.
/d/dammesek.htm - 6k

Cushion (3 Occurrences)
... "Silken cushions" of Amos 3:12 the Revised Version (British and American) is a
rendering of the Hebrew demesheq from its supposed connection with damask. ...
/c/cushion.htm - 9k

Silk (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews demeshek, "damask," silk cloth manufactured
at Damascus, Amos 3:12. AV, "in the corner of a bed ...
/s/silk.htm - 12k

Jaw (6 Occurrences)
... of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be rescued
that sit in Samaria in the corner of a couch, and upon the damask of a ...
/j/jaw.htm - 11k

Damascus (58 Occurrences)
... Our word "damask" bears witness to the fame of its textile industry, and the "Damascus
blades" of the Crusading period were equally famous; and though Timur ...
/d/damascus.htm - 45k

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