Slime(asphaltum)
“Bitumen; asphalt”
Summary
A substance identified with bitumen or asphalt, used as mortar and waterproofing in ancient construction, found abundantly in Mesopotamia and near the Dead Sea.
☩Description and Uses
The Hebrew word chemar refers to bitumen, a naturally occurring hydrocarbon substance. It was used as mortar by the builders of the Tower of Babel in the plain of Shinar. The Valley of Siddim near the Dead Sea was notable for its bitumen pits. Moses' ark of bulrushes was made waterproof with a coating of bitumen and pitch. When mixed with tar while melting, bitumen forms a hard, glossy material impervious to water.
☩Sources and Trade
Bitumen was found abundantly in Babylonia, particularly at the town of Is (modern Hit), eight days' journey from Babylon. The Dead Sea was known to the ancients as the 'Asphalt Lake' due to the quantities of bitumen that would rise to its surface, especially during earthquakes. This bitumen was exported to Egypt for use in embalming mummies. Isaiah refers to its flammability in his prophetic imagery.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Slime," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Slime," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Slime; Slime Pits," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).