In biblical architecture and craftsmanship, panels are significant elements that appear in various contexts, particularly in the construction and decoration of sacred spaces. Panels are often associated with the intricate work found in the tabernacle, the temple, and other significant structures described in the Bible.

Tabernacle and Temple Construction

The use of panels is notably detailed in the construction of the tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. In the tabernacle, panels were part of the design of the curtains and coverings, which were crafted with fine materials and artistic designs. Exodus 26:1 describes the tabernacle's curtains: "You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them."

Solomon's Temple, a permanent structure replacing the portable tabernacle, also featured panels in its design. The temple was renowned for its grandeur and the detailed craftsmanship of its interior. 1 Kings 6:29 states, "On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers."

Symbolism and Artistic Expression

Panels in biblical contexts often carried symbolic meanings. The carvings and decorations on panels, such as cherubim, palm trees, and flowers, were not merely ornamental but also conveyed theological and spiritual truths. Cherubim, for instance, are frequently associated with the presence and holiness of God, as seen in their depiction on the Ark of the Covenant and the temple's walls.

The use of panels also reflects the biblical emphasis on beauty and order in worship spaces. The detailed artistry in the tabernacle and temple served to create an environment that honored God and facilitated worship. This attention to detail underscores the importance of craftsmanship and aesthetics in expressing reverence and devotion.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the use of panels in construction and decoration was common, and the biblical descriptions align with broader cultural practices of the time. Panels were often made from wood, overlaid with gold or other precious materials, and intricately carved or inlaid with designs. This reflects the high value placed on skilled artisanship and the use of quality materials in sacred architecture.

Modern Reflections

While the specific use of panels as described in the Bible may not directly translate to modern church architecture, the principles of beauty, craftsmanship, and symbolic representation continue to influence Christian art and architecture today. The biblical precedent for using art to enhance worship spaces remains a guiding principle for many congregations seeking to create environments that reflect the glory and majesty of God.731. arzah -- cedar panels, cedar work
... 730, 731. arzah. 732 . cedar panels, cedar work. Transliteration: arzah Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-zaw') Short Definition: work. Word Origin fem. ...
/hebrew/731.htm - 6k

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... I saw St. Joseph plaiting long strips of yellow, brown, and green bark
to make panels for screens or for walls and ceilings. He ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Prologue. --Design of the History.
... When artists paint on panels and on walls the events of ancient history, they alike
delight the eye, and keep bright for many a year the memory of the past. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/prologue design of the history.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... The sides of the ark were, as a rule, formed of movable wooden panels, decorated
with pictures and inscriptions; sometimes, however, but more rarely, the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... thongs. The sides of the chariot were formed of upright panels, solid in
front and open at the sides, each provided with a handrail. ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

This Whole Confession of These Beings, in which they Declare that ...
... heavens, another to the altar of Fides; let one"if you choose to take this view
of it"count in prayer the clouds, and another the ceiling panels; let one ...
/.../tertullian/apology/chapter xxiv this whole confession.htm

Appendix.
... From above the base mouldings spring eight arched panels. ... Peter and St. Paul. The
remaining four panels are filled with the emblems of the four Evangelists. ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

The First Theban Empire
... The outline of their ground-plan formed a parallelogram, whose enclosure wall was
often divided into vertical panels easily distinguished by the different ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... woods to make a pattern. The front wall was hung with a carpet, and had a
door with two panels, opening inwards. The ceiling of this ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... The walls were entirely void of any cedar woodwork inlaid with gold, or panels of
mosaic such as we find in the temples, nor were they hung with dyed or ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... They are divided into panels by pilasters and colored columns, each half being
distinguished by a different color: white (Nos.1, 5, 6, of the plan), red (Nos.2 ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

Panels (10 Occurrences)
...Panels (10 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:28 The work of the bases was on this manner:
they had panels; and there were panels between the ledges; (WEB ASV DBY RSV NIV) ...
/p/panels.htm - 9k

Stays (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels;
and there were panels between the ledges; (See JPS). ...
/s/stays.htm - 12k

Attached (31 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 7:28 The work of the bases was on this manner: they had
panels; and there were panels between the ledges; (See NIV). ...
/a/attached.htm - 15k

Uprights (20 Occurrences)
... BBE). 1 Kings 7:28 The work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels;
and there were panels between the ledges; (See NIV). 1 ...
/u/uprights.htm - 12k

Ledges (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 7:28 The work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels;
and there were panels between the ledges; (WEB KJV ASV WBS). ...
/l/ledges.htm - 8k

Supports (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:32 And the four wheels were under the panels; and the supports of the
wheels were in the base; and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit ...
/s/supports.htm - 14k

Bases (80 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:28 The work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels; and there
were panels between the ledges; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS). ...
/b/bases.htm - 29k

Lions (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and
cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions ...
/l/lions.htm - 26k

Wreaths (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and
cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions ...
/w/wreaths.htm - 9k

Fillets (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV RSV). 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was this: they
had panels, and the panels were between the fillets. (DBY). ...
/f/fillets.htm - 10k

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