Marble, a valuable and aesthetically pleasing stone, is mentioned in the Bible as a material used in construction and decoration, signifying wealth and grandeur. In the ancient world, marble was highly prized for its beauty and durability, making it a sought-after commodity in trade and construction.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 29:2 : In the preparations for building the temple, King David amassed a variety of precious materials, including marble. The verse states, "Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God: gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx, stones for settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and a great quantity of marble." This passage highlights marble's significance as a material worthy of the house of God, reflecting its esteemed status in ancient Israel.

2. Esther 1:6 : The opulence of King Xerxes' palace is described with mention of marble, illustrating its use in royal settings. The verse reads, "There were white and blue linen hangings fastened with cords of fine white and purple linen to silver rings on marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones." Here, marble is part of the luxurious decor, emphasizing the wealth and splendor of the Persian Empire.

3. Ezekiel 27:5-6 : In a lament over the fall of Tyre, a city renowned for its trade and wealth, marble is listed among the materials used in shipbuilding. The passage states, "They made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of cypress wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory." Although marble is not directly mentioned in these verses, the context of Tyre's wealth and the luxurious materials used in its construction suggest that marble was likely part of its trade and architectural embellishments.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, marble was quarried in several regions, including what is now modern-day Turkey and Greece. Its use in construction and decoration was a mark of affluence and sophistication. The presence of marble in biblical descriptions of palaces and temples underscores its role as a symbol of divine and royal majesty.

Marble's durability and ability to be polished to a high sheen made it an ideal material for both structural and decorative purposes. It was often used in columns, floors, and wall facings, as well as in the creation of statues and other artistic works.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the use of marble in the construction of sacred spaces like the temple in Jerusalem can be seen as a reflection of the glory and majesty of God. The beauty and permanence of marble serve as a metaphor for the eternal and unchanging nature of the divine. In the context of biblical narratives, marble's presence in descriptions of opulent settings also serves to highlight the contrast between earthly wealth and the spiritual riches found in a relationship with God.

In summary, marble in the Bible is more than just a building material; it is a symbol of beauty, wealth, and divine splendor, reflecting the cultural and theological values of the ancient world.Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Nave's Topical Index

The Destruction of Babylon.
... over her; for no one buyeth their merchandise any more; the merchandise of gold ... vessels
of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, and cinnamon ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire.
... made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble; and cinnamon ... oil,
and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 12 grecian literature and.htm

In his Temple
... arches of the temple: "Take these things hence; make not My Father's house an house
of merchandise.". ... The coin falls, ringing sharply upon the marble pavement. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple.
... It was of white marble, with roofs of cedar, and was rather a collection of buildings,
courts and porches ... Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the cleansing of the temple.htm

In his Father's House.
... had brought their things into the great court inside the marble pillars, and on ...
"Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.". ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter x in his fathers.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... five wagons in the train, bearing letters and light merchandise from the ... turned
southward, passing the cloistered plain paved with polished marble, and hurried ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... but all the nations sought his friendship; and Zidon for once had her merchandise
hallowed by ... The main building was of white marble, and the Holy of Holies was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple.
... Take these things hence; make not My Father's house a house of merchandise. ... Round
this outer court ran marble colonnades, richly ornamented and supported by ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/vi the cleansing of the.htm

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... projecting pilasters, and each recess is occupied by a marble table resting ... Merchandise
or valuables stored in these warehouses are held by the administration ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

The First Discovery of America
... you may see them at this day"on the loins of the great marble lion, which ... habits,
which made their noblest men not ashamed to go on voyages of merchandise. ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/the first discovery of america.htm

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