The term "Tower of Ivory" is a metaphorical expression found in the poetic literature of the Bible, specifically in the Song of Solomon. It is used to describe the beauty and majesty of the beloved, often interpreted as a representation of the Church or the individual believer in their relationship with God.

Biblical Reference:

The phrase "Tower of Ivory" appears in Song of Solomon 7:4 : "Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon facing toward Damascus."

Symbolism and Interpretation:

1. Beauty and Purity: The imagery of a "tower of ivory" conveys a sense of beauty, purity, and strength. Ivory, being a precious and rare material, symbolizes purity and value. The comparison to a tower suggests height, grandeur, and an elevated status, indicating the beloved's noble character and spiritual stature.

2. Strength and Stability: Towers in ancient times were symbols of strength and defense. By likening the neck to a "tower of ivory," the text suggests a sense of dignity and steadfastness. This can be interpreted as the strength and stability of faith, which stands firm and unyielding.

3. Spiritual Significance: In a spiritual context, the "Tower of Ivory" can be seen as a representation of the Church's role as a beacon of purity and strength in the world. It reflects the Church's calling to uphold truth and righteousness, standing tall amidst challenges and adversities.

4. Christological Interpretation: Some Christian theologians see the "Tower of Ivory" as a typological reference to Christ Himself, who embodies purity, strength, and beauty. As the head of the Church, Christ is the ultimate example of these attributes, and believers are called to reflect His character.

5. Marian Interpretation: In certain Christian traditions, particularly within Catholicism, the "Tower of Ivory" is also associated with the Virgin Mary. It is one of the titles given to her in the Litany of Loreto, emphasizing her purity, strength, and role as an intercessor.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, ivory was a luxury item, often used in the decoration of palaces and temples. Its use in the Song of Solomon highlights the opulence and splendor associated with the beloved. The reference to towers, such as those in Lebanon, would have been familiar to the original audience, evoking images of impressive and fortified structures.

Theological Reflection:

The "Tower of Ivory" serves as a reminder of the high calling of believers to embody the virtues of purity, strength, and beauty in their spiritual lives. It challenges the faithful to aspire to a life that reflects the glory and majesty of God, standing as a testament to His transformative power.Tower of Ivory

TOWER OF IVORY

(mighdal hashen): Occurs only in Songs 7:4. Cheyne would, not unreasonably, emend the text and read the "tower of Shenir" as a parallel to the "tower of Lebanon" in the same verse. If the reading "tower of ivory" is correct, the reference must be to some piece of furniture in the adornment of which ivory was much used, and when we compare the word mighdal here with its use for a "pulpit" in Nehemiah 8:4, we can think only of a reminiscence of something of the nature of the throne of ivory made by Solomon (1 Kings 10:18).

W. M. Christie

Thy Neck is as a Tower of ivory; Thine Eyes Like the Fish-Pools in ...
... 4. Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which
are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 thy neck is as.htm

Chapter vii
... Thy neck is as a tower of ivory, thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the
gate of Bathrabbim; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looked toward ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vii.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... The form of this tower was the same as I see in pictures, from the litany of the
Blessed Virgin, of the Tower of David, the Tower of Ivory, and so forth. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 4. Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which
are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... Thy neck, once like a tower of ivory, has become as a fallen column; thy nose, so
lately comparable to "the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damascus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... before a rich pavilion"all of green and crimson, bordered with gold and azure"the
hooks of ivory, the cords ... He has built," she said, "a mighty tower on the ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ...
... And I see an ivory seat ready placed, and on it a linen cushion, and above the ... do
you not see opposite to you a great tower, built upon the waters, of splendid ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision third concerning the building.htm

A Discourse
... Hence Christ calls some of the features of his church, and compares them to this.
'Thy neck,' says he 'is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The False Prophet
... Philadelphus sat opposite her in the ivory chair which was hers by right. ... And the
foremost who reached the top saw the Roman Tower directly opposite Seraiah ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

Man's Life his Monument.
... There have been monuments of human pride, like the tower of Babel, and the great
city ... The palace of Caesar, the ivory house of Ahab, the gorgeous home of Pilate ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxviii mans life his.htm

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