The term "unhewn" refers to stones or materials that have not been shaped, cut, or worked by human tools. In the context of the Bible, unhewn stones hold significant symbolic and ritual importance, particularly in the construction of altars and sacred spaces. The use of unhewn stones is often associated with purity, divine creation, and the avoidance of human pride or intervention in worship.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 20:25 : "Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it." This verse is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding the construction of altars. The use of unhewn stones is commanded to maintain the sanctity and purity of the altar, emphasizing that worship should be free from human manipulation and pride.

2. Deuteronomy 27:5-6 : "Moreover, you shall build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use an iron tool on them. You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God." Here, the Israelites are instructed to build an altar on Mount Ebal using unhewn stones. This command underscores the importance of maintaining the natural state of the stones, symbolizing a direct and unaltered connection to God.

3. Joshua 8:31 : "just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool had been used. And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings." This passage recounts the fulfillment of the command given in Deuteronomy, highlighting the obedience of the Israelites in using unhewn stones for the altar, thus preserving the sanctity of their worship.

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of unhewn stones in biblical altars is rich with symbolism. It represents the idea that God's creation is perfect and should not be altered by human hands. The unhewn stones serve as a reminder of humility and the need for humans to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His sovereignty and the perfection of His creation.

In a broader theological context, the use of unhewn stones can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's life. Just as the stones are to remain unaltered, believers are called to maintain purity and integrity, avoiding the corrupting influences of the world. The unhewn stone becomes a symbol of a life that is dedicated to God, untainted by sin or human pride.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the construction of altars and sacred spaces often involved elaborate craftsmanship and decoration. However, the biblical mandate for unhewn stones sets the Israelite practice apart, emphasizing simplicity and divine ordination over human artistry. This distinction highlights the unique relationship between God and His people, where worship is centered on obedience and faith rather than external appearances.

The insistence on unhewn stones also reflects a broader biblical theme of God's desire for authenticity in worship. It serves as a counterpoint to the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, where human craftsmanship was often used to create idols and elaborate altars. By using unhewn stones, the Israelites were making a clear statement of their allegiance to the one true God, who is not represented by human-made images or structures.

Gideon's Altar
... thou shalt not die.' Then Gideon piles up the unhewn stones on the hillside into
a rude altar, apparently not for the purpose of offering sacrifice, but for a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gideons altar.htm

The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ...
... month, [5108] when Solomon was king over Israel, the king commanded, and they brought
great precious stones for the foundation of the house, and unhewn stones. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the temple of solomon.htm

You Laugh Because in Ancient Times the Persians Worshipped Rivers. ...
... the Arabians an unshapen stone; [4642] the Scythian nations a sabre; the Thespians
a branch instead of Cinxia; [4643] the Icarians [4644] an unhewn log instead ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/11 you laugh because in.htm

But the Great Mother, Also, Says My Opponent...
... black colour"not smooth, but having little corners standing out, and which to-day
we all see put in that image instead of a face, rough and unhewn, giving to ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/49 but the great mother.htm

The Connection of the Christian virtues.
... Wherefore also they ascended with them, and fitted into the structure of the tower,
and unhewn were built up together; they fell asleep in righteousness and in ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ix the connection of the.htm

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... will command the seventy thousand burden-bearers not to take any chance stones for
the foundation of the temple, but great stones, precious, unhewn, that they ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... He piled the unhewn stones, as Abel did, he laid his sheaves of corn upon the altar,
and there he waited, but it was to him a matter of comparative ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

Conclusion.
... free to choose. Life lies before us like the unhewn block of marble, and
we may fashion it as we please. Circumstances may seem ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxvi conclusion.htm

A New Year's Benediction
... Hath God taken us as unhewn stones out of the quarry, and hath he begun to work
upon us, and show his divine art, his marvellous wisdom and grace and will he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a new years benediction.htm

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... Nothing but their simple words, their unvarnished eloquence, their rough declamation,
their unhewn oratory; these it was, which, by the blessing of God's Spirit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christthe power and wisdom of.htm

Unhewn (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unhewn (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 27:6 Thou
shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones ...
/u/unhewn.htm - 7k

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 27:6 Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones;
and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God: (ASV DBY ...
/b/burnt-offerings.htm - 38k

Altar (343 Occurrences)
... confuse them. The first was an altar consisting of earth or unhewn stones.
It had no fixed shape, but varied with the materials. It ...
/a/altar.htm - 78k

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)
... first stage all slaughter of domestic animals for food purposes was sacrificial,
and every layman could sacrifice locally at an altar of earth or unhewn stones ...
/s/sanctuary.htm - 63k

Unheard-of (1 Occurrence)
Unheard-of. Unheard, Unheard-of. Unhewn . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a ... done.
(See NIV). Unheard, Unheard-of. Unhewn . Reference Bible.
/u/unheard-of.htm - 6k

Unhindered (1 Occurrence)

/u/unhindered.htm - 6k

Ed (1 Occurrence)
... There is in it, therefore, no indication of a general opposition to lay sacrifices
on altars of earth or unhewn stone (see Wiener, EPC, 198). ...
/e/ed.htm - 9k

Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... part in that memorable scene, when, having conquered the central region of Palestine,
Joshua led the people hither, erected an altar of unhewn stones, wrote ...
/e/ebal.htm - 14k

Holies (23 Occurrences)
... 41:4). There was then no Ark of the Covenant, but Jewish tradition relates that
the blood of the great Day of Atonement was sprinkled on an unhewn stone that ...
/h/holies.htm - 17k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... part in that memorable scene, when, having conquered the central region of Palestine,
Joshua led the people hither, erected an altar of unhewn stones, wrote ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Unhewn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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