Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "mortar" is often used figuratively to convey themes of destruction, judgment, and the binding nature of sin. The imagery of mortar, a substance used to bind bricks or stones together, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and moral implications of human actions and divine judgment.Symbol of Judgment and Destruction One of the most vivid figurative uses of mortar is found in the context of divine judgment. In the prophetic literature, mortar is used to symbolize the destruction that comes upon those who oppose God's will. For instance, in Ezekiel 13:10-15, the false prophets are condemned for building a wall with "whitewash," a metaphor for superficial and deceptive teachings. The passage describes how God will bring down this wall, exposing the falsehoods and bringing judgment upon those who constructed it. The mortar here represents the weak and insubstantial nature of their deceitful teachings, which cannot withstand the scrutiny of divine truth. Binding Nature of Sin Mortar also serves as a metaphor for the binding nature of sin. Just as mortar holds bricks together, sin can bind individuals and communities in patterns of behavior that are difficult to break. This imagery is implicit in the narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:3), where the people use brick and mortar to build a tower reaching to the heavens. Their use of mortar symbolizes their collective rebellion against God, as they seek to make a name for themselves apart from His will. The binding nature of their sin ultimately leads to their dispersion and the confusion of languages, demonstrating the futility of human efforts that are not aligned with divine purposes. Illustration of Human Effort and Divine Intervention In Jeremiah 43:9-13, the prophet is instructed to bury large stones in the mortar of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Egypt. This act serves as a prophetic sign of God's impending judgment on Egypt, illustrating how human efforts, symbolized by the mortar and bricks of the palace, will ultimately be subject to divine intervention. The mortar here underscores the contrast between human pride and the sovereignty of God, who can dismantle even the most fortified structures. Metaphor for False Security The use of mortar as a metaphor for false security is evident in the warnings against relying on human strength and alliances rather than trusting in God. In Isaiah 30:12-14, the prophet warns of the consequences of relying on oppression and deceit, likening it to a wall that will collapse suddenly. The mortar in this context represents the false sense of security that comes from trusting in anything other than God's provision and protection. In summary, the figurative use of mortar in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin, the futility of human pride, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Through these vivid metaphors, Scripture calls believers to examine the foundations of their lives and to place their trust in the enduring truth of God's Word. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 41:25I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call on my name: and he shall come on princes as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay. Nave's Topical Index Library The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ... The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is the Wailing Wall / Western Wall? | GotQuestions.orgHow do the elements of the Passover Seder point to Christ? | GotQuestions.org Mortar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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