The term "inlaid" refers to a decorative technique where materials such as wood, ivory, or precious metals are set into the surface of an object to create intricate designs or patterns. This technique is often associated with craftsmanship and artistry, reflecting both beauty and skill. In the context of the Bible, inlaid work is mentioned in relation to the construction and adornment of sacred spaces and objects, highlighting the importance of beauty and detail in worship and religious observance.

Biblical References:

1. Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple is one of the most detailed accounts of inlaid work in the Bible. The temple, described in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3, was adorned with various materials, including gold, cedar, and precious stones. While the term "inlaid" is not explicitly used, the intricate craftsmanship and the use of precious materials suggest inlaid techniques. The temple's interior was overlaid with gold, and the cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers were carved into the walls, demonstrating a high level of artistry (1 Kings 6:29).

2. Solomon's Throne: Solomon's throne is another example of inlaid craftsmanship. Described in 1 Kings 10:18-20, the throne was made of ivory and overlaid with fine gold. The use of ivory and gold suggests a form of inlay, where the materials were combined to create a luxurious and majestic seat for the king.

3. Song of Solomon: In the poetic imagery of the Song of Solomon, inlaid work is used metaphorically to describe beauty and elegance. In Song of Solomon 3:10, the carriage of Solomon is described as having "its posts of silver, its base of gold, its seat of purple; its interior is inlaid with love by the daughters of Jerusalem." This passage uses the concept of inlay to convey the richness and depth of love, as well as the care and attention given to the object.

Symbolism and Significance:

Inlaid work in the Bible often symbolizes the divine beauty and glory associated with God's presence. The use of precious materials and intricate designs in sacred spaces and objects reflects the reverence and honor due to God. The craftsmanship involved in inlaying serves as a metaphor for the spiritual beauty and complexity of God's creation and His relationship with His people.

The detailed descriptions of inlaid work in the construction of the temple and other sacred objects underscore the importance of offering the best to God. This reflects the biblical principle of giving God the first and finest of what one has, as seen in the offerings and sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament.

Inlaid work also serves as a reminder of the skill and creativity endowed by God to artisans and craftsmen. The Bible acknowledges the talents and abilities given by God for the purpose of glorifying Him through art and craftsmanship, as seen in the work of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the artistic designs for the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6).

Overall, the concept of inlaid work in the Bible highlights the intersection of beauty, craftsmanship, and worship, emphasizing the importance of honoring God through the use of one's talents and resources.(p. p.) of Inlay.5968. alaph -- to cover
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to cover NASB Word Usage became faint (1), faint
(1), fainted (1), inlaid (1), wilted away (1), wrapped (1). ...
/hebrew/5968.htm - 6k

4394. millu -- setting, installation
... Word Origin from male Definition setting, installation NASB Word Usage inlaid (1),
ordination (8), ordination offering (3), setting (3). consecration, be set. ...
/hebrew/4394.htm - 6k

6213a. asah -- do, make
... held (2), help (1), hold (1), imitate (1), imparted (1), inclines (1), indeed perform
(1), industrious* (1), inflict (1), inflicted (1), inlaid (1), instituted ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

We Will Make Thee Chains of Gold Inlaid with Silver.
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 10. We will make thee chains of gold inlaid with
silver. Although thou art already very beautiful in thy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 we will make thee.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... The Purple Chamber, into which they were ushered by a crowd of slaves, was so called
partly from its pavement and walls inlaid with porphyry, and partly from ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

On Costly Vessels.
... And so the use of cups made of silver and gold, and of others inlaid with precious
stones, is out of place, being only a deception of the vision. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

First Impressions
... The floors were of lustrous and many-coloured marbles, with which also the walls
were tessellated; the domes and architraves were inlaid with mosaic on a gold ...
/.../chapter xx first impressions.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 9. Thy cheeks are comely as a turtle dove's; thy neck as jewels. 10. We
will make thee chains of gold inlaid with silver. 11. While ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... He wished to have them graven on a rock; cut deep into it with an iron pen, and
then the lines inlaid with lead; or he would have them engraven, according to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... The country had been terribly overrun with wild beasts, and the Knight heard it
proclaimed that the Shah would give a corselet of finest steel, inlaid with gold ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... This mutilated idea of the Supreme Being was not inlaid in the rational creature
on the morning of creation, when God said, "Let us make man in our image ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... There were long stretches of sunlit sod, and walks of inlaid tile, seats of carved
stone, and a single small obelisk, set on a circular slab, marked with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

On the Immeasurable Joys of Heaven.
... See how the delightful city shines with beaten gold, how it glitters with costly
jewels, inlaid with precious stones, transparent as crystal, reflecting red ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xii on the immeasurable.htm

Inlaid (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Inlaid (8 Occurrences). 1 Kings 10:18 Moreover the king
made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the finest gold. (See NIV). ...
/i/inlaid.htm - 8k

Boxtree
... The words of Ezek. 27:6 literally translated are, "Thy benches they have made of
ivory, the daughter of the ashur tree," ie, inlaid with ashur wood. ...
/b/boxtree.htm - 7k

Bench (1 Occurrence)
... Found only in English Versions of the Bible in Ezekiel 27:6, in the prophet's
"lamentation over Tyre": "They have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood ...
/b/bench.htm - 8k

Box-tree (2 Occurrences)
... The words of Ezek. 27:6 literally translated are, "Thy benches they have made of
ivory, the daughter of the ashur tree," ie, inlaid with ashur wood. ...
/b/box-tree.htm - 8k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... "Variegated cloth, linen, an ivory bed, a seat of inlaid ivory, a table" were among
the captured articles. These were probably Phoenician work. ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Quantities (13 Occurrences)
... of my God the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver,
and the brass for the things of to be set, stones for inlaid work, and of ...
/q/quantities.htm - 10k

Kittites (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have
made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/k/kittites.htm - 6k

Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oaks.htm - 10k

Oars (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oars.htm - 7k

Lovingly (7 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 3:10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the top thereof of gold,
the seat of it of purple, the inside thereof being inlaid with love, from ...
/l/lovingly.htm - 8k

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