Plaster, a material used for coating walls and ceilings, is mentioned in various contexts within the Bible. It serves both practical and symbolic purposes, reflecting the cultural and historical practices of ancient times.

Construction and Repair

In the context of construction and repair, plaster is referenced in the Old Testament as a material used for building and maintaining structures. In Leviticus 14:42, the process of cleansing a house from mildew involves scraping the walls and then replastering them: "Then they are to take other stones to replace these and take additional plaster to replaster the house." This passage highlights the practical use of plaster in maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of a dwelling.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

Plaster also appears in prophetic imagery, symbolizing superficiality and false security. In Ezekiel 13:10-15, the prophet condemns false prophets who lead the people astray, comparing their deceptive assurances to a flimsy wall coated with whitewash: "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash, tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall." This metaphor underscores the futility of relying on false promises and the inevitable collapse of structures built on deceit.

Historical Context

The use of plaster in ancient construction is further evidenced in the historical accounts of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 27:2-4, Moses instructs the Israelites to set up large stones and coat them with plaster upon crossing the Jordan River: "And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land the LORD your God is giving you, you are to set up large stones and coat them with plaster." This act was part of a covenant renewal ceremony, where the plastered stones were inscribed with the words of the law, serving as a lasting testament to the covenant between God and His people.

Cultural Practices

The application of plaster in ancient times was not limited to construction but extended to artistic and religious expressions. In the context of idol worship, plastered surfaces were sometimes used to create smooth backgrounds for painted images or inscriptions. This practice is implicitly criticized in the biblical narrative, as it often accompanied idolatrous activities condemned by the prophets.

Conclusion

The biblical references to plaster, while few, provide insight into its practical applications and symbolic meanings in ancient Israelite society. Whether used in construction, as a metaphor for false security, or in religious practices, plaster serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and truth in both physical and spiritual structures.Leviticus 14:42,43,48
And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other mortar, and shall plaster the house.
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Deuteronomy 27:2
And it shall be on the day when you shall pass over Jordan to the land which the LORD your God gives you, that you shall set you up great stones, and plaster them with plaster:
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Daniel 5:5
In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
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2 Timothy iii. 16, 17
... Thou hast the Scriptures, he says, in place of me. ... the wound, he gives the incision,
he applies the plaster. ... Here again he calls virtue in general righteousness ...
/.../homily ix 2 timothy iii.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... the only presumption against him was the general clamour of ... wall, or a wall daubed
with plaster, which gives ... the Jewish religion, and of the Scriptures of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

V. ...
... and definite time, yet have they in general testified to ... girt about." In some places
the Scriptures speak of ... external, it is only an outward plaster, with no ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

part i
... In the Holy Scriptures we see God face to face, and ourselves as we are. ... "God Himself
worketh in us." [13] In general, throughout the world we see the Kingdom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Saved by Grace;
... Clap a plaster to a well place, and that maketh ... Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem,
the general assembly and ... to the Father, as these scriptures testify; Romans ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

A Discourse
... to the plain testimony of the Scriptures are, that ... way, as to any of the things
concerning New Testament ... Lebanon was that which, in the general, prefigured the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Therefore, thus it is said concerning the true comers, At ... Besides, there are many
other scriptures whereby he allureth ... it; and that in these two general heads. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

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