In biblical times, the role of an engraver was significant, particularly in the context of religious artifacts and the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple. Engraving involved the art of carving or inscribing designs onto various materials such as metal, stone, or wood. This skill was highly valued and often required divine inspiration and wisdom.

Biblical References:

1. Bezalel and Oholiab: The most notable engravers mentioned in the Bible are Bezalel and Oholiab, who were appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezalel, in particular, was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. Exodus 31:3-5 states, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft."

2. The High Priest's Garments: Engraving was also essential in the creation of the High Priest's garments. The breastplate worn by the High Priest contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Exodus 28:11 describes this process: "Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones as a jeweler engraves a seal, and mount them in gold filigree settings."

3. The Altar and Other Sacred Objects: Engraving was used in the design of various sacred objects, including the altar and other furnishings of the Tabernacle. The intricate designs often symbolized deeper spiritual truths and were intended to reflect the glory and holiness of God.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:

Engraving in the Bible often symbolizes permanence and dedication. Just as an engraver inscribes a design into a material, God inscribes His laws and commandments onto the hearts of His people. This is reflected in passages such as Jeremiah 31:33 , "But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

Skills and Divine Inspiration:

The skill of engraving was not merely a human talent but was often seen as a gift from God. The ability to create beautiful and meaningful designs was attributed to divine inspiration, as seen in the case of Bezalel and Oholiab. This underscores the belief that all artistic abilities are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory and the edification of His people.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, engraving was a common practice not only in religious contexts but also in secular art and architecture. However, in the biblical narrative, the focus is primarily on how this skill was used to honor God and contribute to the worship practices of the Israelites. Engravers played a crucial role in creating objects that facilitated worship and symbolized the covenant relationship between God and His people.Engraver

His chief business was cutting names or devices on rings and seals; the only notices of engraving are in connection with the high priest's dress --the two onyx stones, the twelve jewels and the mitre-plate having inscriptions on them. (Exodus 28:11,21,36)

Hebrews harash (Exodus 35:35; 38:23) means properly an artificer in wood, stone, or metal. The chief business of the engraver was cutting names or devices on rings and seals and signets (Exodus 28:11, 21, 36; Genesis 38:18). (n.) One who engraves; a person whose business it is to produce engraved work, especially on metal or wood.5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress
... parties. 5480 ("brand-mark") was originally any on a coin or a seal, used by
an engraver on a die (stamp, branding iron). 5480 () later ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5480.htm - 7k2796. charash -- engraver, artificer
... 2795, 2796. charash. 2797 . engraver, artificer. Transliteration: charash
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-rawsh') Short Definition: craftsmen. ...
/hebrew/2796.htm - 6k

2748. chartom -- an engraver, writer
... 2747, 2748. chartom. 2749 . an engraver, writer. Transliteration: chartom
Phonetic Spelling: (khar-tome') Short Definition: magicians. ...
/hebrew/2748.htm - 6k

Of Scoffing and Derision.
... reproach of rage and fury seem to be writ in Chalk or Lead, which a dispassionate
hearer easily wipes out, but those of Wit are like the engraver's burn upon ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vii of scoffing and.htm

The Forgotten Preacher.
... plating. There's some fine engraving on the silver-plating, noble sentiment,
deftly expressed, and done in the engraver's best style. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the forgotten preacher.htm

Results of Transgression
... Them hath He filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver,
and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, . . . ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... of the joints in these cloisters, afforded a prospect that was very remarkable;
nor was it on the outside adorned with any work of the painter or engraver. ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

Gifts and Talents.
... And to give clearest light on this subject, Scripture says also: "Then hath he filled
with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work of the engraver and of ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm

Human Arts as Well as Divine Knowledge Proceed from God.
... in hearing, he who is commonly called a musician; in touch, he who moulds clay;
in voice the singer, in smell the perfumer, in sight the engraver of devices on ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv human arts as well.htm

Swain
... Swain. Swain, Joseph, a successful English Baptist minister, was born at
Birmingham in 1761. By trade he was an engraver. After his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/swain.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... The engraver has dressed all his actors in the costume of the time of George the
Third; the women with hooped petticoats and high head dresses; clergymen with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

Altogether Lovely
... I am an engraver this morning, and I seek somewhat whereon I may engrave
this heavenly line. Shall I take unto me ivory or silver? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... It was in itself an introduction to the engraver's art, for it was a good engraving;
and early familiarity with that dignified figure " the long curling hair ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

Engraver (3 Occurrences)
... The chief business of the engraver was cutting names or devices on rings and seals
and signets (Exodus 28:11, 21, 36; Genesis 38:18). ...Engraver (3 Occurrences). ...
/e/engraver.htm - 8k

Weaver (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship,
of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in ...
/w/weaver.htm - 9k

Embroiderer (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship,
of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in ...
/e/embroiderer.htm - 9k

Engraves (1 Occurrence)
... Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet,
shalt thou engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children ...
/e/engraves.htm - 6k

Colours (20 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of
workmanship, of the engraver, and of the skilful workman, and of the embroiderer ...
/c/colours.htm - 12k

Craftsman (23 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of
workmanship, of the engraver, and of the skilful workman, and of the embroiderer ...
/c/craftsman.htm - 13k

Artificer (13 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 he has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work
of the engraver, and of the artificer, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in ...
/a/artificer.htm - 11k

Yarn (37 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship,
of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in ...
/y/yarn.htm - 18k

Skilful (38 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of
workmanship, of the engraver, and of the skilful workman, and of the embroiderer ...
/s/skilful.htm - 21k

Byssus (40 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 he has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work
of the engraver, and of the artificer, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in ...
/b/byssus.htm - 19k

Engraver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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