Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the use of stones as a primary building material for houses and other structures was prevalent throughout the ancient Near East, including the regions described in the Bible. The durability and availability of stone made it a practical choice for construction, especially in areas where wood was scarce. The Bible provides several references to the use of stones in building, reflecting both the practical and symbolic significance of stone structures in biblical history and theology.Old Testament References The construction of houses and other buildings using stones is mentioned in various passages of the Old Testament. In the book of Leviticus, specific instructions are given regarding houses built of stone, particularly in the context of dealing with mold or mildew. Leviticus 14:40-42 states: "The priest is to order that the contaminated stones be removed and thrown into an unclean place outside the city. He must have the inside of the house scraped completely and the plaster that is scraped off dumped into an unclean place outside the city. Then they are to take other stones to replace these and take additional plaster to replaster the house." The use of stones in construction is also evident in the building of significant structures such as Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 5:17-18 , it is recorded: "At the king’s command they removed from the quarry large blocks of high-grade stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple. The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram, along with the men of Gebal, cut and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple." Symbolic Significance Stones used in construction also carry symbolic meanings in the biblical narrative. The stability and permanence of stone structures often symbolize strength and endurance. In Isaiah 28:16 , the prophet speaks of a precious cornerstone: "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This imagery is further developed in the New Testament, where Christ is referred to as the cornerstone, emphasizing His foundational role in the faith. Ephesians 2:20 states: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." Practical Considerations The construction of houses with stones required skill and labor. Stones had to be quarried, shaped, and fitted together, often with the use of mortar. The process was labor-intensive, reflecting the value and significance of stone-built structures. The use of stones also provided protection against the elements and invaders, making stone houses a practical choice for those who could afford them. In summary, the use of stones in building houses and other structures in biblical times is well-documented and carries both practical and symbolic significance. The biblical narrative reflects the importance of stone as a durable and reliable building material, as well as its deeper theological implications as a symbol of strength, permanence, and divine foundation. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 9:10The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. Nave's Topical Index Amos 5:11 Library Three Condensed Parables The Two Houses The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ... The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Vain Toil The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews. The Description of Jerusalem. The Third Continental Journey. The Siege and Taking of Gamala. The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Resources What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “the rocks will cry out” in Luke 19:40? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
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