Glass
Summary
An ancient material known to the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians, mentioned in Scripture both for its rarity and as a symbol of brilliance and purity.
☩Ancient Origins
Though Pliny attributed the discovery of glass to Phoenician merchants, the Egyptians practiced glass-blowing at least 3,500 years ago, as shown in paintings at Beni-Hassan. They achieved remarkable skill in coloring and decorating glass, even imitating precious stones with such accuracy that detection was difficult. The Phoenicians, especially those at Sidon, made glass manufacturing a source of great wealth and fame.
☩Glass in Scripture
In Job 28:17, glass (or crystal) is mentioned as a precious substance that cannot compare to wisdom. The Hebrew word may refer to transparent crystal or manufactured glass. In the New Testament, John describes the heavenly city as having streets of pure gold 'like transparent glass' and a sea 'as it were of glass like unto crystal' before God's throne. These images convey brilliant purity and supernatural splendor.
☩Mirrors and Looking-Glasses
When Scripture refers to 'looking-glasses' or mirrors, these were not made of glass but of polished bronze. The women who ministered at the tabernacle door gave their bronze mirrors, which were used to make the laver. Paul's reference to seeing 'through a glass darkly' describes the imperfect reflection of ancient metal mirrors compared to seeing face to face.
Related Verses9 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Glass," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Glass," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Glass," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Glass," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Glass," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).