Marble
Summary
Marble was a valuable crystalline limestone used in ancient times for palatial architecture and temple construction, mentioned in connection with Solomon's temple, the Persian palace at Susa, and the merchandise of Babylon.
☩Biblical References
David gathered 'marble stones in abundance' among the materials prepared for Solomon's temple. The palace of Ahasuerus at Susa featured marble pillars and an elaborate mosaic pavement of various colored stones. In Song of Solomon, the beloved's legs are likened to 'pillars of marble set upon sockets of fine gold.' Marble appears among the luxury goods trafficked by 'Babylon' (symbolic of Rome) in Revelation.
☩Types and Sources
The Hebrew word 'shesh' (related to whiteness) is the generic term for marble and may include almost any polished, shining stone. True crystalline marble was imported from Greece or Italy, while much of what was called marble in Palestine was actually non-crystalline limestone capable of being polished. The marble of the Persian palace came from Persia itself, where marble of various colors is found, especially in Hamadan province. The so-called marble of Solomon's buildings may have been white limestone from near Jerusalem or Lebanon rather than true marble.
Related Verses4 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Marble," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Marble," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Marble," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).