In biblical contexts, the act of engraving holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning, often associated with craftsmanship, dedication, and the permanence of God's commandments and promises. Engraving in the Bible is primarily mentioned in relation to the construction of sacred objects and the recording of divine laws.

Old Testament References

1. The Tabernacle and the Temple: Engraving was a crucial skill in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Exodus 28:9-11, God commands Moses to have two onyx stones engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, to be set in gold filigree and mounted on the shoulders of the ephod worn by the high priest: "Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones, as a jeweler engraves a seal." This act of engraving signified the perpetual remembrance of the tribes before the Lord.

2. The Ten Commandments: Perhaps the most significant instance of engraving in the Bible is the engraving of the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 31:18, it is recorded that God gave Moses "two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God." This divine engraving underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God's law.

3. Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple also involved intricate engravings. In 1 Kings 6:18, the inner walls of the Temple were described as being "carved with gourds and open flowers," showcasing the artistry and devotion involved in creating a dwelling place for God.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Engraving in the Bible often symbolizes permanence and dedication. The act of engraving is not easily undone, reflecting the enduring nature of God's word and promises. In Isaiah 49:16, God reassures His people of His unwavering commitment by saying, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." This metaphorical engraving signifies God's eternal remembrance and care for His people.

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention engraving, the concept of God's law being written on the hearts of believers echoes the permanence associated with engraving. In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul writes, "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." This reflects the transition from the physical engraving of the law to the spiritual engraving of God's will within believers.

Conclusion

In summary, engraving in the Bible is a powerful symbol of the enduring nature of God's commandments and His covenant with His people. It represents the skill and dedication required to create objects of worship and the permanence of God's promises and laws. Through the act of engraving, the Bible communicates themes of remembrance, commitment, and the unchanging nature of divine truth.6603. pittuach -- an engraving
... Word Origin from pathach Definition an engraving NASB Word Usage carved engravings
(1), carved work (1), engraves (1), engravings (6), inscription (1). ...
/hebrew/6603.htm - 6k

Why all Things Work for Good
... "Thy Maker is thy Husband" (Isaiah 54:5). God entirely loves His people.
He engraves them upon the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm

Letter x. --Restraint of Over-Eagerness.
... of the soul and to give occasion for the operation of the Holy Spirit who, during
these peaceful pauses, and times of silent attention, engraves and imprints ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter x restraint of over-eagerness.htm

It is Lawful for Every Christian to Choose the Life of Religious ...
... As therefore the monastic method of life engraves upon us as on a tablet the life
of penitence, we receive [371] whoever approaches it [372] sincerely; nor is ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xliii it is lawful.htm

Gregory Nazianzen.
... not such as are vain and poured out into the air, and which reach no further than
the outward ear; but those which the Spirit writes and engraves on tables of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/gregory nazianzen.htm

"Take My Yoke Upon You," &C.
... beauty of the world consists in that sweet order, and harmonious subordination of
all things, to that law God hath imposed upon them, or engraves upon their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii take my yoke.htm

Piety.
... This is the throne upon which He silently engraves the image of His divine
Son, the essential characteristic of predestination. ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xi piety.htm

The Unchangeable Christ
... among men whereby we must be saved." Jesus Christ still makes all things new; he
creates new hearts and right spirits in the sons of men, and engraves his law ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the unchangeable christ.htm

Our Manifesto
... Do we know any truth till the Holy Spirit burns it into us, and engraves it on
our soul as with an iron pen, and with the point of a diamond? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/our manifesto.htm

Engraves (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Engraves (1 Occurrence). Exodus 28:11 With the work
of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet ...
/e/engraves.htm - 6k

Engraver (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) One who engraves; a person whose business it is
to produce engraved work, especially on metal or wood. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/e/engraver.htm - 8k

Engraving (7 Occurrences)

/e/engraving.htm - 9k

Pen (16 Occurrences)
... As the trained writer records a speech, so the Psalmist's tongue impresses or engraves
on his hearers' minds what he has conceived. James A. Patch. ...
/p/pen.htm - 14k

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