Topical Bible: Pitch: An Opaque Mineral Used As a Plaster and Cement

◄ Pitch: An Opaque Mineral Used As a Plaster and Cement ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Pitch, a viscous, tar-like substance, is mentioned in the Bible as a material used for waterproofing and construction purposes. It is a naturally occurring mineral that has been utilized since ancient times for its adhesive and sealing properties. In biblical contexts, pitch is often associated with protection and preservation, serving as a critical component in various construction and preservation efforts.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 6:14 · The earliest mention of pitch in the Bible is found in the account of Noah's Ark. God instructed Noah, "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out." . Here, pitch was used to waterproof the ark, ensuring its buoyancy and the safety of its occupants during the Flood. This use of pitch highlights its importance in divine instructions for preservation and protection.

2. Exodus 2:3 · Pitch is also mentioned in the account of Moses' infancy. When Moses' mother sought to save him from Pharaoh's decree, she "got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile." . The use of pitch in this context underscores its role in safeguarding life, as it provided a watertight seal for the basket, ensuring Moses' survival.

3. Isaiah 34:9 · In a prophetic context, pitch is used symbolically to describe the desolation of Edom: "Her streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch." . This imagery conveys the idea of complete destruction and judgment, with pitch representing a state of ruin and uninhabitability.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, pitch was derived from natural sources such as bitumen, a form of petroleum found in pits or seepages. The regions around the Dead Sea, known for their bitumen deposits, were likely sources of pitch for the peoples of the Bible. Its adhesive and waterproofing qualities made it an invaluable resource for construction, particularly in the arid and flood-prone regions of the Near East.

Pitch's role in biblical narratives often carries symbolic weight, representing divine protection, judgment, or the preservation of life. Its practical applications in construction and waterproofing are mirrored by its metaphorical significance in the biblical text, where it serves as a tool for God's purposes, whether in salvation or judgment.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of pitch in the Bible can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and care. In the account of Noah, pitch was a means by which God preserved humanity and animal life, foreshadowing the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Similarly, the preservation of Moses through the use of pitch points to God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for Israel.

In prophetic literature, the imagery of pitch as a substance of destruction serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. It underscores the seriousness of divine justice and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

Overall, pitch in the Bible is more than just a construction material; it is a symbol of God's interaction with humanity, whether in protection, preservation, or judgment. Its presence in the biblical narrative invites reflection on the ways God uses the material world to accomplish His divine purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 34:9
And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
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