Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "carved" often refers to the intricate and skillful craftsmanship involved in creating images, idols, or decorative elements, particularly in wood or stone. The use of carved objects is mentioned throughout the Bible, both in the context of worship and as a part of the artistic embellishment of sacred spaces.Idolatry and Carved Images One of the most significant mentions of carved objects in the Bible is in the context of idolatry. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against the creation and worship of carved images. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly commands, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath" (Exodus 20:4). This prohibition underscores the importance of worshiping God alone and avoiding the temptation to attribute divine power to man-made objects. The prophets frequently condemned the practice of idolatry, which often involved carved images. Isaiah, for example, mocks the futility of idol worship, describing how a craftsman carves an idol from wood, yet it remains lifeless and powerless (Isaiah 44:13-17). Such passages highlight the contrast between the living God and the inanimate idols made by human hands. Sacred Art and Carved Decorations While carved images for idolatry were forbidden, the Bible also describes the use of carved work in the construction and decoration of sacred spaces, such as the Tabernacle and the Temple. These carvings were not objects of worship but served to beautify the places dedicated to God. In the construction of the Temple, King Solomon employed skilled craftsmen to create intricate carvings. The interior of the Temple was adorned with "carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers" (1 Kings 6:29). These carvings were part of the artistic expression that honored God and reflected His glory. The use of carved work in the Temple demonstrates that artistry and craftsmanship have a place in worship when they are directed toward glorifying God rather than creating objects of worship themselves. Symbolism and Meaning Carved images and decorations in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. For instance, the cherubim carved on the Ark of the Covenant and in the Temple symbolize the presence and protection of God. The palm trees and flowers may represent life, beauty, and the abundance of God's creation. The Bible's treatment of carved objects reflects a broader theological principle: the distinction between the Creator and His creation. While human creativity is a reflection of being made in the image of God, it must always be directed toward honoring Him and not replacing Him with the works of human hands. In summary, the biblical perspective on carved objects is multifaceted, recognizing both the potential for idolatry and the capacity for art to glorify God. The key is the intention and purpose behind the creation and use of such objects, always ensuring that they serve to honor the one true God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Carve.Strong's Hebrew 4734. miqlaath -- carving... 4733, 4734. miqlaath. 4735 . carving. Transliteration: miqlaath Phonetic Spelling: (mik-lah'-ath) Short Definition: carved. ... carved figure, carving, graving. ... /hebrew/4734.htm - 6k 6603. pittuach -- an engraving 2707. chaqah -- to cut in, carve 6459. pesel -- an idol, image 6456. pasil -- an idol, image 2405. chatuboth -- dark-hued stuffs 4906. maskith -- a showpiece, figure, imagination 7049b. qala -- to carve 6247. esheth -- plate 6458. pasal -- to hew, hew into shape Library The Beams of Our Houses are of Cedar and Our Carved Ceilings are ... The First Bible Pictures Psalm XCVII. Man's Life his Monument. The Heir to the Throne O what Amazement Befel the Evil One, of a Sudden, My Brethren ... Josiah A Canticle of Mar Jacob the Teacher on Edessa. The Idea of Communications through Angels Involves yet Wilder ... But Why do I Laugh at the Sickles and Tridents which have Been ... Thesaurus Carved (36 Occurrences)...Carved (36 Occurrences). ... Judges 18:18 And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. ... /c/carved.htm - 17k Palm-trees (23 Occurrences) Flowers (42 Occurrences) Openings (27 Occurrences) Figure (19 Occurrences) Carvings (6 Occurrences) Cherubs (52 Occurrences) Images (158 Occurrences) Cherubim (63 Occurrences) Idol (56 Occurrences) Resources Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the true meaning of the second commandment? | GotQuestions.org What is a graven image? | GotQuestions.org Carved: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Carved (36 Occurrences)Leviticus 26:1 Numbers 33:52 Judges 17:3 Judges 18:14 Judges 18:17 Judges 18:18 Judges 18:20 1 Kings 6:18 1 Kings 6:29 1 Kings 6:32 1 Kings 6:35 1 Kings 7:36 2 Kings 21:7 2 Chronicles 3:7 2 Chronicles 33:7 2 Chronicles 33:19 2 Chronicles 33:22 2 Chronicles 34:3 2 Chronicles 34:4 2 Chronicles 34:7 Psalms 74:6 Psalms 144:12 Proverbs 7:16 Proverbs 9:1 Song of Songs 5:14 Ezekiel 8:10 Ezekiel 8:12 Ezekiel 41:17 Ezekiel 41:18 Ezekiel 41:19 Ezekiel 41:20 Ezekiel 41:25 Ezekiel 41:26 Micah 5:13 Nahum 1:14 Habakkuk 2:18 Subtopics Related Terms |