Topical Encyclopedia The term "hewedst" is an archaic form of the verb "hew," which means to cut, chop, or shape something with a tool such as an axe or a chisel. In the context of the Bible, "hewedst" is often used to describe the act of cutting or shaping wood or stone, particularly in the construction of altars, idols, or other significant structures.Biblical References: 1. Idolatry and False Worship: The act of hewing is frequently associated with the creation of idols and false worship. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are often warned against the practice of hewing wood or stone to create graven images. For example, in Deuteronomy 7:5 , God commands the Israelites concerning the pagan nations: "But this is how you are to deal with them: Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire." Here, the act of cutting down Asherah poles is a direct command to destroy objects of false worship. 2. Construction of Altars: Hewing is also mentioned in the context of constructing altars for the worship of the Lord. In Exodus 20:25 , God instructs the Israelites: "Now 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 emphasizes the importance of using natural, unhewn stones for altars, signifying purity and obedience to God's commands. 3. Symbolism of Judgment: The prophets often use the imagery of hewing to symbolize judgment and destruction. In Hosea 6:5 , God declares, "Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning." Here, the act of hewing represents the cutting and shaping power of God's word as it brings judgment upon the people. 4. Craftsmanship and Skill: The skill of hewing is also recognized in the context of craftsmanship. In the construction of the Temple, skilled laborers were employed to hew stones and timber. 1 Kings 5:18 states, "So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple." This highlights the importance of skilled craftsmanship in the service of God. Theological Implications: The use of "hewedst" in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It underscores the distinction between true worship and idolatry, emphasizing the need for purity and obedience in worship practices. The act of hewing, whether in judgment or construction, reflects the power and authority of God's word and the importance of skilled labor in fulfilling divine purposes. The biblical narrative consistently calls believers to discernment, ensuring that their acts of creation and worship align with God's commands and intentions. Concordance Hewedst (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 6:11 Thesaurus Hewedst (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Hewedst (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 6:11 and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and ... /h/hewedst.htm - 6k Hewed (22 Occurrences) Olive-trees (11 Occurrences) Hewn (32 Occurrences) Hewer (2 Occurrences) Satisfied (110 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |