Overlaying is a term frequently encountered in the context of biblical descriptions of construction, craftsmanship, and sacred objects, particularly in the Old Testament. It refers to the process of covering a surface with a layer of another material, often for purposes of decoration, protection, or sanctification. This practice is most notably associated with the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where precious metals such as gold and silver were used to overlay wood and other materials.

Biblical Instances of Overlaying

1. The Tabernacle: The concept of overlaying is prominently featured in the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the book of Exodus. Skilled artisans were instructed to overlay various components with gold. For example, Exodus 25:11 states, "Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." This instruction pertains to the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing the sacredness and divine glory associated with the presence of God.

2. The Temple of Solomon: The practice of overlaying continued with the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 6:20-22 , it is recorded, "The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold and also overlaid the cedar altar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold." This extensive use of gold signified the temple's holiness and the wealth of the kingdom.

3. Other Sacred Objects: Overlaying was not limited to large structures but also applied to smaller sacred objects. The altar, lampstands, and various utensils used in worship were often overlaid with gold or silver, as seen in Exodus 37:26 : "He overlaid the top and all the sides and horns with pure gold and made a gold molding around it."

Symbolism and Significance

Overlaying in the Bible carries rich symbolic meaning. The use of precious metals like gold signifies purity, value, and divine majesty. Gold, in particular, is associated with the divine nature and the glory of God, reflecting His holiness and the reverence due to Him. The act of overlaying transforms ordinary materials into objects of sacred significance, setting them apart for worship and service to God.

The meticulous instructions for overlaying in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands and the care required in approaching His holiness. The overlaying process also serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths, such as the transformation and sanctification of believers, who are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes.

Craftsmanship and Skill

The execution of overlaying required exceptional craftsmanship and skill, often attributed to individuals endowed with wisdom and understanding by God. In Exodus 31:3-5 , God says of Bezalel, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft." This divine empowerment highlights the importance of skillful work in the service of God and the beauty of creation.

In summary, overlaying in the Bible is a practice rich with theological and symbolic significance, reflecting the holiness, glory, and majesty of God. It serves as a reminder of the call to sanctity and the transformation that occurs when the ordinary is touched by the divine.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overlay.

2. (n.) A superficial covering; a coating.

6826. tsippuy -- (metal) plating
... 6825, 6826. tsippuy. 6827 . (metal) plating. Transliteration: tsippuy Phonetic
Spelling: (tsip-poo'-ee) Short Definition: overlaying. ... covering, overlaying. ...
/hebrew/6826.htm - 6k

2910. tuchah -- inward parts
... From tachah (or tuwach) in the sense of overlaying; (in the plural only) the kidneys
(as being covered); hence (figuratively) the inmost thought -- inward parts ...
/hebrew/2910.htm - 6k

Preface.
... 4) to add such references to Scripture, or to authors of general repute, as might
lend additional aid to students, without clogging or overlaying the comments ...
/.../clement/the first epistle of clement to the corinthians/preface.htm

The City of Benares.
... will tell you that it is covered with plates of solid gold, but in fact it is merely
gilded with gold leaf, spread over plates of copper overlaying the stones ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... The traditional interpretation of the Old Testament which is still current is based
on successive misconceptions, overlaying and blending with each other like ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Overlaying (4 Occurrences)
...Overlaying (4 Occurrences). ... Isaiah 30:22 You shall defile the overlaying of your
engraved images of silver, and the plating of your molten images of gold. ...
/o/overlaying.htm - 8k

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars
and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their capitals of silver ...
/o/overlaid.htm - 21k

Fillets (11 Occurrences)
... The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of
their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with ...
/f/fillets.htm - 10k

Pegs (22 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:17 and the sockets for the pillars of brass, the pegs of the pillars and
their fillets of silver, and the overlaying of their tops of silver, and all ...
/p/pegs.htm - 12k

Plating (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The art or process of covering anything with a plate or plates, or with
metal, particularly of overlaying a base or dull metal with a thin plate of ...
/p/plating.htm - 10k

Capitals (21 Occurrences)
... The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of
their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with ...
/c/capitals.htm - 13k

Connecting-rods (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:17 and the bases of the pillars of copper, the hooks of the pillars and
their connecting-rods of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals of ...
/c/connecting-rods.htm - 8k

Chapiters (15 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars
and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of ...
/c/chapiters.htm - 11k

Sockets (44 Occurrences)
... The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of
their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with ...
/s/sockets.htm - 20k

Pillars (132 Occurrences)
... The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of
their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with ...
/p/pillars.htm - 39k

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