In biblical times, the concept of "glaze" as understood in modern terms—referring to a glassy coating applied to pottery or ceramics—does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures. However, the Bible does contain references to processes and materials that may be related to glazing or similar techniques, particularly in the context of craftsmanship and artistry.

Craftsmanship and Artistry

The Bible frequently highlights the skill and artistry involved in the creation of objects for both sacred and secular use. In Exodus, the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings showcases the use of skilled artisans. 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." While this passage does not mention glazing specifically, it underscores the importance of artistic skill, which could encompass techniques like glazing in the broader context of ancient craftsmanship.

Pottery in the Bible

Pottery is a significant element in biblical narratives, symbolizing both the fragility and utility of human life. Jeremiah 18:3-4 describes the potter's work: "So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. But the vessel he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hand; so the potter formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best to him." While the text focuses on the metaphor of the potter and clay, the process of finishing pottery, which may have included glazing, was an essential part of creating durable and functional vessels.

Symbolism and Imagery

The Bible often uses imagery related to pottery and craftsmanship to convey spiritual truths. Isaiah 64:8 declares, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we all are the work of Your hand." This metaphor emphasizes God's sovereignty and creative power, with the potter's skill reflecting divine artistry. Although glazing is not mentioned, the transformation of raw clay into a finished product can be seen as analogous to the refining and perfecting work of God in the lives of believers.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, glazing techniques were known and used to create decorative and functional pottery. These techniques involved applying a vitreous coating to pottery, which, when fired, created a glass-like surface. While the Bible does not provide specific details about glazing, archaeological findings from regions such as Mesopotamia and Egypt indicate that such practices were part of the broader cultural milieu during biblical times.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention glazing, the themes of craftsmanship, artistry, and the potter's work provide a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism. These elements reflect the broader cultural practices of the ancient world and underscore the biblical emphasis on the beauty and purpose inherent in God's creation and the works of human hands.1. (v. i.) To become glazed of glassy.

2. (n.) The vitreous coating of pottery or porcelain; anything used as a coating or color in glazing. See Glaze.

3. (v. t.) Broth reduced by boiling to a gelatinous paste, and spread thinly over braised dishes.

4. (n.) A glazing oven. See Glost oven.

Letter G
... Received 1836, Located 1839 * Glanville, John "Received 1821, Located 1829 * Glass,
Hiram M. "Received 1829, Located 1834 * Glaze, Samuel "Received 1816 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter g.htm

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... and tears; while, as with Palissy, the Huguenot potter, the very furniture of the
house was brought out to feed the flame in which the precious glaze was being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.htm

The Chaff Driven Away
... when fever shall make you toss from side-to-side, when head and heart shall be racked
with anguish, when death shall stare upon you, and shall glaze your eyes? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the chaff driven away.htm

A Call to the Unconverted
... The death-rattle is in our throat"we can scarce articulate"we try to speak; the
death-glaze is on the eye: Death hath put his fingers on those windows of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a call to the unconverted.htm

A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... You unawares, and that last day, which [1342] is. 490 By death's law fixt, your
senseless eyes do glaze,. Seek what remains worth seeking: watchful be. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/4 a strain of the.htm

Soul Winning
... What if his unconquerable eloquence should turn those bones to stone, and
glaze those eyes, and make the blood chill in your veins? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/soul winning.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... examples of enamel-work, and are distinguished not only by the gracefulness of the,
modelling, but also by the brilliance of the superimposed glaze; but the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Glaze (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The vitreous coating of pottery or porcelain; anything used as a coating
or color in glazing. See Glaze. ... Multi-Version Concordance Glaze (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/glaze.htm - 7k

Gleam (5 Occurrences)

/g/gleam.htm - 8k

Glasses (1 Occurrence)

/g/glasses.htm - 6k

Glass (12 Occurrences)
... 9. (vt) To reflect, as in a mirror; to mirror; -- used reflexively. 10. (vt) To
case in glass. 11. (vt) To cover or furnish with glass; to glaze. 12. ...
/g/glass.htm - 21k

Refractory (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Refractoriness. 5. (n.) (Pottery) A piece of ware covered with a vaporable
flux and placed in a kiln, to communicate a glaze to the other articles. ...
/r/refractory.htm - 9k

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)
... Pottery, with the exception of the blue glaze employed in the late period, was usually
plain, although some traces of painted pottery have been found. ...
/b/babylonia.htm - 75k

Glaze: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus