Topical Encyclopedia Ivory, a precious material derived from the tusks of elephants and other animals, is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of wealth and opulence. In ancient times, ivory was highly valued for its beauty and rarity, often used in the construction and decoration of luxurious buildings and furnishings.Biblical References: 1. Ahab's Ivory House: The most notable reference to a house made of ivory in the Bible is King Ahab's palace. In 1 Kings 22:39, it is recorded, "As for the rest of the acts of Ahab, along with all his accomplishments and the ivory palace he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?" This passage highlights Ahab's wealth and his desire to display his prosperity through the construction of an ivory-adorned palace. The use of ivory in Ahab's palace signifies the king's status and the luxurious lifestyle of the Israelite monarchy during his reign. 2. Ivory in Amos' Prophecy: The prophet Amos also references houses adorned with ivory in his denunciation of the excesses of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In Amos 3:15, the Lord declares, "I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end," declares the LORD. This prophecy serves as a warning against the complacency and moral decay associated with wealth and luxury. The mention of "houses of ivory" underscores the opulence that had become prevalent among the elite, which Amos condemns as a sign of their departure from righteousness and justice. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, ivory was a luxury item often imported from distant lands, such as Africa and India. It was used not only in architecture but also in the creation of intricate carvings, inlays, and decorative items. The presence of ivory in a building or household was a clear indicator of wealth and high social standing. The use of ivory in construction and decoration was not limited to Israel. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed ivory artifacts and decorations in various ancient sites, including those of the Assyrians and Egyptians, who also valued this material for its aesthetic appeal and symbolic significance. Symbolism and Theological Implications: In the biblical narrative, ivory serves as a symbol of both material wealth and the potential moral pitfalls associated with it. The construction of houses adorned with ivory reflects a focus on earthly riches and the temptation to prioritize material prosperity over spiritual and ethical values. The prophets, like Amos, often used such imagery to call the people of Israel back to a covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing justice, righteousness, and humility over opulence and self-indulgence. The biblical references to ivory houses remind readers of the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. The destruction of these luxurious dwellings, as prophesied by Amos, serves as a powerful metaphor for the ultimate futility of relying on earthly riches and the need for repentance and spiritual renewal. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 45:8All your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made you glad. Nave's Topical Index Amos 3:15 Library The Carcass and the Eagles Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ... The Great Stone Face Of Images, and the Ornaments of Temples, and the Contempt in which ... The Destruction of Babylon. The Absurdity and Shamefulness of the Images by which the Gods are ... The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564 Greek and Jew The Assyrian Captivity Resources What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.orgIvory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |