In the biblical context, bricks are mentioned in relation to construction, particularly in the building of altars and other structures. The use of bricks in ancient times was a common practice, especially in regions where stone was not readily available. Bricks were made from clay and straw, molded and then baked or dried in the sun.

Historical Context

The use of bricks in construction is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Tower of Babel. Genesis 11:3 states, "They said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar." This passage highlights the technological advancement of using bricks for large-scale construction projects.

Altars in the Bible

Altars in the Bible were primarily constructed for the purpose of worship and sacrifice. They were typically made of earth or uncut stones, as commanded in Exodus 20:24-25: "You are to make an altar of earth for Me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it."

The use of bricks for altars is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, as the preference was for natural materials that had not been shaped by human tools. This was to maintain the purity and sanctity of the altar, emphasizing that worship should be directed towards God without human alteration or embellishment.

Symbolism and Significance

The construction of altars using natural materials symbolizes the humility and obedience required in worship. The prohibition against using cut stones or bricks for altars underscores the importance of approaching God with sincerity and reverence, without relying on human craftsmanship or pride.

Cultural and Theological Implications

In the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, brick construction was a sign of human achievement and technological progress. However, in the biblical narrative, the focus remains on the divine command and the heart of the worshiper. The use of uncut stones for altars serves as a reminder that true worship is not about the grandeur of the structure but about the devotion and obedience of the worshiper.

Conclusion

While bricks were a common building material in ancient times, their use in the construction of altars is not supported by biblical instruction. The emphasis on using natural, unaltered materials for altars reflects a theological principle that worship should be pure and untainted by human pride or intervention. This principle continues to resonate in the understanding of worship and devotion in the biblical tradition.Isaiah 65:3
A people that provokes me to anger continually to my face; that sacrifices in gardens, and burns incense on altars of brick;
Nave's Topical Index

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... favor of their gods the Canaanites brought rich sacrifices to their altars and observed ...
on the native rock, was built a supplemental wall of burnt brick six or ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Margin of the Nile
... draft-oxen or the sacrifices that were led bleating to the altars. Perhaps he had
even casually decried the policy that sent women into the brick-fields and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiv the margin of.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... They were built of brick, cemented together with bitumen ... royal treasure, strewed
the entire way before the king with flowers and crowns; silver altars were also ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire.
... Rome was converted by Augustus from a city of brick huts into a city of marble ... were
enthroned among the gods by a vote of the Senate, and altars and temples ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 12 grecian literature and.htm

Christian Churches.
... multitude and variety of later additions, by which the number of altars alone had ...
and describes it as made of three kinds of tiles,"bronze, brick, and lead. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iii christian churches.htm

Farewell
... Muses, its statues of the Graces, its Temple of Minerva, and its altars to Prometheus ...
truth in the pointed saying, that he found Rome built of brick, and left ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter i farewell.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... are.' The next requisite is that these men, who minister at earth's altars, should,
by ... Emperor of ours may indeed say, that He found the city of brick and made ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

Later English Reformers.
... The fires of divine truth, well-nigh extinguished upon the altars of Protestantism,
were to be rekindled ... Two years ago, a piece of brick grazed my shoulders. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm

Later English Reformers
... The fires of divine truth, well-nigh extinguished upon the altars of Protestantism,
were to be rekindled ... Two years ago, a piece of brick grazed my shoulders. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 14 later english reformers.htm

Book 1.
... walls of the city of Babylon were curiously built with burnt brick and bitumen ... into
that country, and demolished the [old] temples and the altars, they assisted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

What is anthropological hylomorphism? | GotQuestions.org

Are the pyramids mentioned in the Bible? Did the enslaved Israelites build the pyramids? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be a stumbling block to someone else? | GotQuestions.org

Brick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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