The term "inscribed" in the biblical context often refers to the act of writing or engraving words onto a surface, typically for the purpose of permanence and significance. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where inscriptions serve as a means of communication from God to humanity, as well as a method for humans to memorialize significant events or covenants.

Biblical Instances of Inscription

1. The Ten Commandments: One of the most significant instances of inscription in the Bible is the engraving of the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. In Exodus 31:18, it is recorded, "When He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God." This divine act of inscription underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God's law.

2. The Writing on the Wall: In the Book of Daniel, the mysterious writing on the wall during King Belshazzar's feast is another notable example. Daniel 5:5 states, "At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand." This inscription served as a divine message of judgment against the Babylonian king.

3. The Inscription on the Cross: In the New Testament, the inscription placed above Jesus during the crucifixion is of profound theological importance. John 19:19 records, "Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." This inscription, written in multiple languages, declared the kingship of Christ to all who witnessed the crucifixion.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Inscriptions in the Bible often carry a symbolic weight, representing the permanence and authority of God's word. The act of inscribing is not merely about the physical act of writing but is deeply connected to the idea of covenant and divine revelation. For instance, the inscribing of the law on stone tablets signifies the binding nature of God's commandments.

Moreover, the concept of inscription extends beyond physical writing to the spiritual realm. In Jeremiah 31:33, God promises a new covenant with His people, saying, "I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people." This prophetic vision points to an internalization of God's law, moving from external tablets to the hearts of believers.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, inscriptions were a common method for kings and rulers to record their achievements, laws, and decrees. The biblical use of inscriptions reflects this cultural practice but elevates it to convey divine truths and eternal principles. The permanence of stone inscriptions, in particular, symbolizes the enduring nature of God's word and His covenants with humanity.

Conclusion

The concept of being "inscribed" in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing divine communication, covenantal promises, and the eternal nature of God's word. Through various instances of inscription, the Bible reveals the importance of God's messages being permanently recorded, whether on stone, walls, or the hearts of His people.(imp. & p. p.) of Inscribe.1123. graptos -- written
... Word Origin from grapho Definition written NASB Word Usage written (1). written.
From grapho; inscribed (figuratively) -- written. see GREEK grapho. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1123.htm - 6k7559. rasham -- to inscribe, note
... 7558, 7559. rasham. 7560 . to inscribe, note. Transliteration: rasham Phonetic
Spelling: (raw-sham') Short Definition: inscribed. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/7559.htm - 5k

2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree
... 2709, 2710. chaqaq. 2711 . to cut in, inscribe, decree. Transliteration: chaqaq
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-kak') Short Definition: inscribed. Word Origin a prim ...
/hebrew/2710.htm - 6k

3789. kathab -- to write
... root Definition to write NASB Word Usage decreed (1), describe (3), described (1),
inscribed (1), prescribed (2), record (3), recorded (7), registered (3 ...
/hebrew/3789.htm - 6k

2328. chug -- to draw around, make a circle
... Definition: circle. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to draw around, make
a circle NASB Word Usage inscribed a circle (1). compass. A ...
/hebrew/2328.htm - 6k

Of the Oracle Found Inscribed an a Stone, when the Walls of ...
... Book IV. Chapter VIII."Of the Oracle found inscribed an a Stone, when the Walls
of Chalcedon were demolished by Order of the Emperor Valens. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter viii of the oracle found.htm

The Following Little Poem is Inscribed
... The following little poem is inscribed. TO MYSELF. Lass dich nur nichts nicht dauern.
Let nothing make thee sad or fretful,. Or too regretful,. Be still; ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the following little poem is.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... HUMBLY INSCRIBED TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, ONE OF HIS MAJESTY'S PRINCIPAL
SECRETARIES OF STATE. cFatis contraria fata rependens."Virg. NIGHT NINTH. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

Of Some who are Mad Enough to Suppose that the Books were ...
... the harmony of the gospels.Book I. Chapter X."Of Some Who are Mad Enough to Suppose
that the Books Were Inscribed with the Names of Peter and Paul. 15. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter x of some who are.htm

Our Noble Friend, Moreover, not Satisfied with the Objections ...
... to Father and Son." [4473] Now, in the diagram referred to, we found the greater
and the lesser circle, upon the diameter of which was inscribed "Father and Son ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxviii our noble friend.htm

On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel
... The gospel also is inscribed in the hearts of those who are in covenant with God,
that they may be able to fulfill the condition which it prescribes. IV. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 13 on the comparison.htm

The Writing on God's Hands
... savage custom, which lingers still among sailors and others, of having beloved names
or other tokens of affection and remembrance indelibly inscribed on parts ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the writing on gods hands.htm

Do not Save Me from Martyrdom.
... [832] Literally, "have to be inscribed to.". [833] Literally, "to be found
and sent for.". [834] Literally, "have to be inscribed to.". ...
/.../ignatius/the epistle of ignatius to the romans/chapter ii do not save me.htm

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... The early Judean prophetic narrative in Exodus 34 states that these commands
were inscribed by Moses himself on two stone tablets. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm

God's Law Immutable
... The ark in the tabernacle on earth contained the two tables of stone,
upon which were inscribed the precepts of the law of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

Inscribed (20 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Inscribe. Multi-Version Concordance Inscribed (20 Occurrences). Luke
2:3 And all went to be inscribed in the census roll, each to his own city: (DBY). ...
/i/inscribed.htm - 12k

Charm (5 Occurrences)
... is distinguished from amulet in this, that the latter is a material object having
as such a magical potency, though it is frequently an inscribed formula on it ...
/c/charm.htm - 14k

Inscription (18 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is inscribed; something written or engraved; especially, a word
or words written or engraved on a solid substance for preservation or public ...
/i/inscription.htm - 12k

Amulet
... containing a relic, etc., worn as a charm or preservative against evils or mischief,
such as diseases and witchcraft, and generally inscribed with mystic forms ...
/a/amulet.htm - 17k

Upharsin (1 Occurrence)
... el, oo-far'-sin (mene' mene' teqel upharcin; Theodotion, Mane, thekel, phares):
These are the words that, according to Daniel's reading, were inscribed on the ...
/u/upharsin.htm - 11k

Ostraca
... 1. Hebrew Ostraca: A fortunate discovery at Samaria (1910), made among the ruins
of Ahab's palace, has brought to light 75 Hebrew ostraca inscribed with ink ...
/o/ostraca.htm - 10k

Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... Script 3. Extensive Diplomatic Correspondence of the Age 4. Unsolved Problem of
the Habiri LITERATURE A collection of about 350 inscribed clay tablets from ...
/t/tablets.htm - 41k

Tekel (2 Occurrences)
... el, oo-far'-sin (mene' mene' teqel upharcin; Theodotion, Mane, thekel, phares):
These are the words that, according to Daniel's reading, were inscribed on the ...
/t/tekel.htm - 11k

El-amarna
... Script 3. Extensive Diplomatic Correspondence of the Age 4. Unsolved Problem of
the Habiri LITERATURE A collection of about 350 inscribed clay tablets from ...
/e/el-amarna.htm - 31k

Elamarna
... Script 3. Extensive Diplomatic Correspondence of the Age 4. Unsolved Problem of
the Habiri LITERATURE A collection of about 350 inscribed clay tablets from ...
/e/elamarna.htm - 31k

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