Engraving(engraver, lapidary, graving)
Summary
The cutting of words or designs into precious stones, metal, and other hard materials—a craft divinely appointed for the sacred objects of the tabernacle and used metaphorically for God's intimate knowledge of His people.
☩The Craft
The Hebrew charash (artificer, craftsman) and pittuach (engraved work) describe the art of cutting names, devices, and designs into precious stones, metal, and other hard materials. The Israelites likely learned seal engraving in Egypt, where the art had flourished; it also existed in Mesopotamia from approximately 2000 BC. God endowed specific craftsmen with this skill: He filled Bezaleel with the Spirit of God 'in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship' for work in gold, silver, brass, and stone, while Aholiab was gifted in embroidery and weaving. The chief business of the engraver was cutting names or devices on rings, seals, signets, and precious stones.
☩Sacred Applications
The engraver's most significant work involved the high priest's garments. Two onyx stones on the shoulder pieces bore the names of Israel's twelve tribes—six names on each stone, engraved 'like the engravings of a signet.' The twelve breastplate stones likewise bore individual tribal names. The golden plate of the mitre carried the inscription 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD.' Engraved work also adorned the temple: the panels of Solomon's temple bases were engraved with lions, oxen, and cherubim, and the walls were overlaid with gold engraved with cherubim, palm trees, and flowers.
☩Metaphorical Use
God employs engraving imagery to express His unfailing attention to Israel: 'Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me' (Isaiah 49:16). Just as an engraving is permanent and constantly visible, so Israel is ever before God's sight. Zechariah's vision describes a stone set before Joshua the high priest: 'upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts' (Zechariah 3:9). Paul contrasts the old covenant engraved on stone tablets with the new covenant written on hearts of flesh, calling Moses's ministry one 'engraven in stones' (2 Corinthians 3:7).
Related Verses20 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Engraver," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.Matthew George Easton, "Engraver," in Easton's Bible Dictionary (T. Nelson and Sons, 1897).
- 3.George Morrish, "Engraving," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).