Checker-work refers to a decorative architectural feature mentioned in the Bible, characterized by a pattern resembling a checkerboard. This design is noted for its aesthetic appeal and intricate craftsmanship, often used in the context of temple and palace adornments.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 7:17 · "For the tops of the pillars he made latticework, a chain design with checker-work, seven for each capital."

In this passage, checker-work is described as part of the ornate design of the capitals on the pillars of Solomon's Temple. The checker-work, combined with latticework and chain designs, highlights the elaborate artistry employed in the construction of the temple, reflecting the grandeur and splendor intended for the house of God.

2. 2 Chronicles 4:12-13 · "the two pillars, the two bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars, the two sets of network covering the two bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars, the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network covering both the bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars)."

Here, the checker-work is part of the "network" that covers the capitals of the pillars. The intricate design, including rows of pomegranates, demonstrates the detailed and symbolic craftsmanship that was a hallmark of the temple's construction. The use of checker-work in this context underscores the importance of beauty and order in sacred spaces.

Symbolism and Significance:

Checker-work in biblical architecture is not merely decorative but also carries symbolic meaning. The pattern, with its alternating squares, can represent order, balance, and the interweaving of divine and human elements. In the context of the temple, such designs may symbolize the harmony and unity between God and His people, as well as the beauty of holiness.

The use of checker-work in sacred architecture also reflects the biblical emphasis on craftsmanship and the use of artistic skills to honor God. The detailed work required for such designs would have been a testament to the dedication and skill of the artisans, who were often divinely inspired, as seen in the case of Bezalel and Oholiab, the craftsmen of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6).

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, checker-work and similar patterns were common in royal and religious architecture. These designs were not only decorative but also served to convey the power and prestige of the structures they adorned. The use of such patterns in Solomon's Temple would have aligned with contemporary architectural practices, while also setting the temple apart as a unique and divinely ordained structure.

Checker-work, therefore, serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that beauty and order in creation reflect the character of God. The intricate designs of the temple, including checker-work, were intended to inspire awe and reverence, drawing worshippers into a deeper appreciation of the divine majesty.CHECKER-WORK; (NETWORK)

chek'-er-wurk (sebhakhah): This was a kind of ornamentation used on the tops of the pillars of Jachin and Boaz before the porch of the Temple (1 Kings 7:17). Its exact form is not known. See TEMPLE. For "a broidered coat" (Exodus 28:4 the King James Version), the Revised Version (British and American) gives "a coat of checker work."

See BROIDERED; EMBROIDERY.

Checkerwork
... or materials. 2. (n.) Any aggregate of varied vicissitudes. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. CHECKER-WORK; (NETWORK). chek'-er-wurk ...
/c/checkerwork.htm - 7k

Checker-work (1 Occurrence)
Checker-work. Checkerwork, Checker-work. Checking . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... (ASV DBY JPS WBS). Checkerwork, Checker-work. Checking . Reference ...
/c/checker-work.htm - 7k

Checker (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A piece in the game of draughts or checkers. 5. (n.) A pattern in checks;
a single check. 6. (vt) Checkerwork. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/checker.htm - 8k

Network (19 Occurrences)
... of veins; a network of railroads. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
CHECKER-WORK; (NETWORK). chek'-er-wurk (sebhakhah): This was a ...
/n/network.htm - 14k

Turban (13 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an
ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checkerwork, a turban, and a sash: and they ...
/t/turban.htm - 11k

Tunic (24 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and
an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checkerwork, a mitre, and a girdle: and ...
/t/tunic.htm - 13k

Embroidery (12 Occurrences)
... 39 shabhats is translated "weave." In Exodus 28:4 occurs the word tashbets, which
is translated "broidered" in the King James Version and "checkerwork" in the ...
/e/embroidery.htm - 13k

Chequer (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and
an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checkerwork, a mitre, and a girdle: and ...
/c/chequer.htm - 7k

Sash (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an
ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checkerwork, a turban, and a sash: and they ...
/s/sash.htm - 12k

Coat (54 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an
ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checkerwork, a turban, and a sash: and they ...
/c/coat.htm - 25k

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