Chalk Stones
Jump to: Smith'sHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Chalk stones are mentioned in the Bible in the context of judgment and purification. The term "chalk stones" appears in Isaiah 27:9, which states: "By this, therefore, the guilt of Jacob will be atoned for, and this will be the full fruit of the removal of his sin: When he makes all the altar stones like crushed chalk stones, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing."

In this passage, chalk stones symbolize the destruction and obliteration of idolatrous practices. The imagery of altar stones being reduced to chalk stones conveys a complete and thorough eradication of false worship. The use of chalk, a soft and easily crumbled material, underscores the fragility and impermanence of idols compared to the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.

The context of Isaiah 27 is one of restoration and redemption. The chapter speaks of God's deliverance of Israel and the ultimate triumph over their enemies. The transformation of altar stones into chalk stones signifies a purging of sin and a return to true worship. It reflects the prophetic theme of repentance and renewal, where the people of Israel are called to abandon their idolatrous ways and return to the Lord.

In biblical symbolism, stones often represent strength, permanence, and reliability. However, when these stones are described as being reduced to chalk, it indicates a reversal of these qualities, highlighting the futility of relying on anything other than God. The destruction of the altars and the reduction to chalk stones serve as a metaphor for the cleansing of the land from idolatry and the restoration of proper worship.

The reference to chalk stones in Isaiah 27:9 also aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against idolatry and are called to destroy any objects associated with false gods. The imagery of chalk stones reinforces the message that true atonement and reconciliation with God require the removal of all forms of idolatry.

In summary, chalk stones in the Bible symbolize the dismantling of idolatrous practices and the purification of worship. They serve as a powerful image of the need for repentance and the restoration of a right relationship with God, emphasizing the transient nature of idols compared to the eternal faithfulness of the Lord.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Chalk Stones

[LIME]

Strong's Hebrew
68. eben -- a stone
... 1), stone (106), stonecutters* (1), stonemasons* (1), stones (125), weight (4 ... meaning
to build; a stone -- + carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head ...
/hebrew/68.htm - 6k
Library

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... and superposition of the stones of the Pyramids, that these structures were built
by men, has no greater weight than the evidence that the chalk was built by ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

That it is Effrontery to Impute the Present Troubles to Christ and ...
... But when it rained earth, when it rained chalk, when it rained stones"not hailstones,
but real stones"this certainly was calculated to do serious damage. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 31 that it is effrontery.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... may be expected, and it is no slight matter which will set stones a-speaking ... the
country, it is so much impassible matter, so much rock and sand, chalk and clay ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... Isle of Ely in Cambridgeshire, entangling the boulder clay among the chalk"how long ...
mud comes up"not jumbies, but" a multitude of small stones, like no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... their arms and hands, their clothes, and all their weapons, with chalk, and then ...
was possible to get near the gates, and they had collected large stones on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... when he was advised to preach to none but the elect, said, "He would certainly do
so if some one would chalk them all ... Some take counsel of stocks and stones. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

Striking Similes
... Fills life up like a cup with bubbling and sparkling liquor. Fit closely together
as the close-set stones of a building. ... He turned white as chalk. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... stations generally consisted of square or rectangular enclosures, built of stones
without mortar ... Facsimile by Faucher-Gudin of coloured chalk-drawing by Chabas. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... to build altars on their high places, as they had done in the time before David;
there, the devout prostrated themselves before the sacred stones and before ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Resources
What is an advent calendar? How does an advent calendar relate to Christmas? | GotQuestions.org

What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is solipsism? | GotQuestions.org

Chalk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Chalk
Top of Page
Top of Page