Topical Encyclopedia Chalkstone is a term found in the Bible that refers to a type of stone or rock, often associated with lime or limestone. In biblical times, chalkstone was a common material used in construction and various other applications due to its abundance and workability. The term appears in the context of judgment and destruction, symbolizing the breaking down or pulverizing of something once strong and established.Biblical References: The primary reference to chalkstone in the Bible is found 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 chalkstones, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the destruction of idolatrous altars as a means of atonement for the sins of Jacob (Israel). The imagery of altar stones being made like crushed chalkstones conveys the complete obliteration of these objects of false worship. The use of chalkstone here emphasizes the thoroughness of God's judgment and the purification process necessary for the restoration of His people. Symbolism and Interpretation: Chalkstone, in the biblical context, symbolizes fragility and the ease with which something can be broken down. This symbolism is particularly potent in the prophetic literature, where physical destruction often parallels spiritual renewal or judgment. The crushing of chalkstone represents the dismantling of idolatry and the removal of sin, highlighting the transformative power of divine intervention. The reference to chalkstone in Isaiah underscores the theme of repentance and the necessity of turning away from false gods to restore a right relationship with the Lord. The imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the hope of redemption through sincere repentance and the removal of sin. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, limestone and chalkstone were commonly used in construction due to their availability and ease of shaping. These materials were employed in building altars, homes, and other structures. The process of crushing chalkstone would have been familiar to the original audience of Isaiah's prophecy, making the metaphor both vivid and relatable. The destruction of altars and idols was a significant aspect of religious reform in ancient Israel. Leaders like King Hezekiah and King Josiah are noted for their efforts to eradicate idolatry and restore the worship of Yahweh. The imagery of crushed chalkstones would have resonated with these historical efforts to purify the nation and return to covenant faithfulness. Theological Implications: The use of chalkstone in Isaiah 27:9 highlights the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the lengths to which He will go to purify His people. It serves as a reminder of the need for genuine repentance and the willingness to remove anything that stands in opposition to God's holiness. The passage also points to the hope of atonement and restoration, emphasizing God's desire for His people to return to Him with undivided hearts. In summary, chalkstone in the Bible is a symbol of destruction and renewal, illustrating the process of judgment and the hope of redemption. It calls believers to examine their own lives for idols and to seek the transformative power of God's grace in removing sin and restoring righteousness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A mass of chalk.2. (n.) A chalklike concretion, consisting mainly of urate of sodium, found in and about the small joints, in the external ear, and in other situations, in those affected with gout; a tophus. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHALKSTONEchok'-ston ('abhneghir (compare Eben-ezer, 'ebhen ha-`ezer, "stone of the help," 1 Samuel 7:12)): In Isaiah 27:9 we have: "Therefore by this shall the iniquity of Jacob be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: that he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, so that the Asherim and the sun-images shall rise no more." 'Abhne-ghir is compounded of 'ebhen, "stone," which occurs in many passages, and gir or gir, "lime" (compare Arabic jir, "gypsum" or "quicklime"), which occurs only here and in Daniel 5:5: "wrote. upon the plaster (gir) of the wall of the king's palace." Nearly all the rock of Palestine is limestone. When limestone is burned, it is converted into lime, which is easily broken into pieces, and, if allowed to remain open to the air, becomes slaked by the moisture of the atmosphere and crumbles into dust. The reference is to the destruction of the altar. It may mean that the altar will be burned so that the stones will become lime, or, more probably, that the stones of the altar will be broken as chalkstones (i.e. lumps of quicklime) are broken. There is no doubt that lime was known to the Egyptians, Assyrians and Hebrews, though clay, with or without straw, was more commonly used in building. Even bitumen ("slime") appears to have been used for mortar. Strong's Hebrew 1615. gir -- chalk, lime... chalkstone. Perhaps from kuwr; lime (from being burned in a kiln) -- chalk(-stone). see HEBREW kuwr. 1614, 1615. gir. 1616 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/1615.htm - 6k Thesaurus Chalkstone... those affected with gout; a tophus. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHALKSTONE. chok'-ston ('abhneghir (compare Eben-ezer, 'ebhen ... /c/chalkstone.htm - 8k Lime (4 Occurrences) Chalkol Chalkstones (1 Occurrence) Mire (21 Occurrences) Resources Chalkstone: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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