Fir-wood, mentioned several times in the Bible, is a type of timber that was highly valued in ancient times for its quality and utility. The term "fir" in the biblical context is often understood to refer to a variety of coniferous trees, possibly including the cypress, pine, or cedar, due to the broad classification of trees in ancient Hebrew terminology. Fir-wood was renowned for its strength, durability, and aromatic properties, making it a preferred material for construction and craftsmanship.

Biblical References:

1. Construction of the Temple and Palaces:
Fir-wood was notably used in the construction of Solomon's Temple and his royal palaces. In 1 Kings 5:8-10, King Hiram of Tyre agrees to supply Solomon with cedar and fir-wood for the building of the Temple: "So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying: 'I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.' My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea, and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place you indicate to me. There I will break them apart, and you can take them away. You, in turn, will fulfill my desire by providing food for my household."

2. Symbol of Beauty and Majesty:
Fir-wood is also used symbolically in Scripture to denote beauty and majesty. In Isaiah 60:13, the glory of Lebanon, which includes the fir-tree, is described as being brought to beautify the sanctuary: "The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet."

3. Shipbuilding:
The wood was also used in shipbuilding, as seen in Ezekiel 27:5, where the construction of Tyre's ships is described: "They made all your timbers of juniper from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the procurement of fir-wood, especially from the famed forests of Lebanon, was a significant undertaking. The trees were felled and transported via rafts along the coast, a testament to the logistical capabilities and trade relationships of the time. The use of fir-wood in significant architectural projects underscores its importance and the high regard in which it was held.

Spiritual Significance:

From a spiritual perspective, the use of fir-wood in the construction of sacred spaces like the Temple signifies the dedication of the finest materials to the worship and glory of God. The beauty and strength of the wood reflect the majesty and enduring nature of God's presence among His people. The symbolic use of fir-wood in prophetic literature often points to the restoration and beautification of God's kingdom, highlighting themes of renewal and divine splendor.

In summary, fir-wood in the Bible is more than just a material; it is a symbol of strength, beauty, and divine craftsmanship, playing a crucial role in the construction of sacred and royal structures, and serving as a metaphor for the glory and majesty of God's creation.

Death and Life from the Ark
... ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.5. And David and all the house of Israel
played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/death and life from the.htm

The Story of a Mother
... And there were many songs, but yet more tears, and then Night said, "Go to the right
into the dark fir wood; for I saw Death take that path with your little ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the story of a mother.htm

The Illusion of the Sealed Letters; Object in Detailing These ...
... But they say, likewise, that wax itself with fir-wood gum possesses a similar potency,
as well as two parts of mastich with one part of dry asphalt. ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxiv the illusion of the.htm

Fir-wood (4 Occurrences)
Fir-wood. Fir-trees, Fir-wood. Fish . Multi-Version Concordance
Fir-wood (4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and ...
/f/fir-wood.htm - 7k

Fir (22 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:5). In 2 Samuel 6:5 we read: "David and all the house of Israel played
before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir-wood," etc. ...
/f/fir.htm - 19k

Fir-trees (11 Occurrences)
Fir-trees. Fir-tree, Fir-trees. Fir-wood . Multi-Version Concordance Fir-trees
(11 Occurrences). ... (WBS). Fir-tree, Fir-trees. Fir-wood . Reference Bible
/f/fir-trees.htm - 9k

Nave (19 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Chronicles 3:5 The greater house he made a ceiling with firwood, which
he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains. ...
/n/nave.htm - 12k

Ornamented (14 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 3:5 The greater house he made a ceiling with firwood, which
he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains. ...
/o/ornamented.htm - 10k

Lyres (21 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:5 David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner
of instruments made of firwood, and with harps, and with stringed ...
/l/lyres.htm - 13k

Lined (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 3:5 The greater house he made a ceiling with firwood, which he overlaid
with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains. (See RSV). ...
/l/lined.htm - 8k

Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:5). In 2 Samuel 6:5 we read: "David and all the house of Israel played
before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir-wood," etc. ...
/f/fir-tree.htm - 11k

Folding (14 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 6:34 and two doors of firwood: the two leaves of the one door
were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding. ...
/f/folding.htm - 11k

Firtree
... Ezekiel 27:5). In 2 Samuel 6:5 we read: "David and all the house of Israel played
before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir-wood," etc. ...
/f/firtree.htm - 9k

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