Box-wood, known for its fine grain and durability, is a type of wood that is mentioned in the context of biblical times, particularly in relation to craftsmanship and construction. The term "box-wood" is derived from the box tree, a small tree or shrub that produces dense, hard wood. This wood was highly valued in ancient times for its utility in making various objects, including musical instruments, tools, and decorative items.

Biblical References:

The Bible makes specific mention of box-wood in the context of the construction and adornment of sacred spaces. In Isaiah 41:19 , the prophet speaks of the restoration and blessing of the land, saying, "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive tree; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane, and the box tree together." This passage highlights the box tree as part of a divine promise of renewal and abundance, symbolizing the transformation of desolation into a place of beauty and prosperity.

Additionally, Ezekiel 27:6 refers to the use of box-wood in the construction of Tyre's ships: "Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of cypress wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your decks, inlaid with ivory." While the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention box-wood in this verse, other translations and interpretations suggest that box-wood may have been used in similar contexts due to its desirable properties.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, box-wood was prized for its strength and smooth texture, making it an ideal material for intricate carvings and detailed work. The wood's resistance to splitting and its ability to hold fine details made it a preferred choice for artisans and craftsmen. Box-wood's durability also made it suitable for items that required longevity and resilience, such as tools and weaponry.

The box tree itself is native to regions around the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, thriving in the climates of these areas. Its presence in biblical texts underscores its importance and availability during the times of the Old Testament.

Symbolism and Significance:

In a symbolic sense, the mention of box-wood in the Bible can be seen as representing strength, resilience, and the beauty of God's creation. The use of box-wood in sacred and significant constructions reflects the value placed on quality and craftsmanship in worship and daily life. The transformation of the wilderness with the planting of box trees, as mentioned in Isaiah, serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and divine blessing.

Overall, box-wood in the Bible is a testament to the resourcefulness and skill of ancient peoples, as well as a reminder of the enduring beauty and utility of God's creation.839. ashur -- perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood)
... 838, 839. ashur or ashurim. 840 . perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood).
Transliteration: ashur or ashurim Phonetic Spelling: (ash-oor') Short Definition: ...
/hebrew/839.htm - 6k

Ezekiel's Discourse
... Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have made thy benches
of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

Sections ii. , iii. And the Lord Said: "And I Will Bring the ...
... And God charged Noah, saying: Make for thyself rattles [1369] of boxwood (or
cypress). Now sms'r is the wood called Sagh, ie, Indian plane. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/sections ii iii and the.htm

Of the Predictions Concerning the Salvation of the World in Christ ...
... advent of Christ, who was to come, is Habakkuk understood to say, "And the Lord
answered me, and said, Write the vision openly on a tablet of boxwood, that he ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 31 of the predictions concerning.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... For if they have learned some mischief they may teach more. Get for her a set of
letters made of boxwood or of ivory and called each by its proper name. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... 800 talents of silver, precious stones, gukhli daggassi (?), large lapis lazuli,
couches of ivory, thrones of ivory, ivory, usu wood, box wood (?), of every ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

Boxwood (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The wood of the box (Buxus). Multi-Version
Concordance Boxwood (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the ...
/b/boxwood.htm - 6k

Box-wood (2 Occurrences)
Box-wood. Boxwood, Box-wood. Boy . Multi-Version Concordance Box-wood (2
Occurrences). ... (DBY). Boxwood, Box-wood. Boy . Reference Bible.
/b/box-wood.htm - 6k

Box-tree (2 Occurrences)
... box-tree, and accordingly the Revised Version rightly reads "inlaid in boxwood."
This is ... box'-tre (te'ashshur; Isaiah 41:19; Isaiah 60:13, "boxwood" Ezekiel 27 ...
/b/box-tree.htm - 8k

Bench (1 Occurrence)
... Deck of a Tyrian ship, described by Ezekiel (27:6) as overlaid with box-wood. ... over
Tyre": "They have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the ...
/b/bench.htm - 8k

Boxtree
... box-tree, and accordingly the Revised Version rightly reads "inlaid in boxwood."
This is ... box'-tre (te'ashshur; Isaiah 41:19; Isaiah 60:13, "boxwood" Ezekiel 27 ...
/b/boxtree.htm - 7k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... It was used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their ... your
oars; they have made your benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Kittites (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have
made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/k/kittites.htm - 6k

Oak-trees (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of oak-trees from Bashan they have made your driving blades; they have
made your floors of ivory and boxwood from the sea-lands of Kittim. (BBE). ...
/o/oak-trees.htm - 6k

Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oaks.htm - 10k

Oars (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oars.htm - 7k

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