The term "sculptured" refers to objects that have been carved or shaped, often from stone, wood, or metal, to create a three-dimensional representation. In the context of the Bible, sculptured items are frequently associated with religious and cultural artifacts, including idols, altars, and decorative elements within sacred spaces.

Biblical References and Context

1. Idolatry and Prohibition: The Bible frequently addresses the creation of sculptured idols, which were common in the ancient Near East. The Israelites were explicitly commanded not to create or worship sculptured images. In Exodus 20:4 , the second commandment states, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath." This prohibition underscores the monotheistic worship of Yahweh and the rejection of pagan practices.

2. Artistic Craftsmanship: Despite the prohibition against idolatry, the Bible acknowledges the skill and artistry involved in sculpturing. The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple included sculptured elements that were not objects of worship but served decorative and symbolic purposes. For instance, the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant were crafted with intricate detail (Exodus 25:18-20).

3. Solomon's Temple: The Temple built by Solomon featured numerous sculptured elements. In 1 Kings 6:18 , it is described that "the cedar within the house was carved in the form of gourds and open flowers." These carvings were part of the ornate design that glorified God and demonstrated the craftsmanship of the artisans.

4. Symbolism and Meaning: Sculptured items in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. The cherubim, for example, represent divine presence and protection. The use of sculptured imagery in the Temple and Tabernacle served to remind the Israelites of God's holiness and the heavenly realities they pointed to.

5. Cultural Interactions: The Israelites' interactions with surrounding nations often involved encounters with sculptured idols. These interactions sometimes led to syncretism, where the Israelites adopted pagan practices, including the worship of sculptured images. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah frequently condemned these practices, calling the people back to exclusive worship of Yahweh (Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:3-5).

6. Prophetic Critique: The prophets often used the futility of sculptured idols to critique the spiritual state of Israel and the nations. In Isaiah 44:9-10 , the prophet declares, "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame." This critique highlights the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols.

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of sculptured items reflects a broader theological theme: the distinction between the Creator and creation. While human artistry is acknowledged and even celebrated in the context of worship that honors God, the Bible consistently warns against the elevation of created things to the status of deity. The prohibition against sculptured idols serves as a reminder of the unique and transcendent nature of God, who cannot be contained or represented by human hands.(imp. & p. p.) of Sculpture.6816. tsaatsuim -- things formed, images
... 6815, 6816. tsaatsuim. 6817 . things formed, images. Transliteration: tsaatsuim
Phonetic Spelling: (tsah-tsoo'-ah) Short Definition: sculptured. ...
/hebrew/6816.htm - 6k

4639. maaseh -- a deed, work
... 17), design (4), did (1), does (1), done (1), eventful (1), goods (2), just* (1),
labors (2), made (2), occupation (2), practices (2), sculptured* (1), task (2 ...
/hebrew/4639.htm - 6k

Classification.
... The appearance is that of a vast collection of microscopic urns, goblets, and vases,
each richly ornamented with small sculptured discs or perforations which ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/classification.htm

Argument: Although the Heathens Acknowledge their Kings to be ...
... vessel, as was done by the Egyptian king, [1798] is fused, is beaten with hammers
and forged on anvils; and the god of stone is cut, is sculptured, and is ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxiii argument although the heathens.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... They built bridges, citadels, temples, and towns, and sculptured statuary from marble
blocks which they chiseled from the strata of the mountains. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

A Discourse which was in the Presence of Antoninus C??sar
... out of them they worship them; neither do they worship the gold or the silver
considered as property, [3572] but when the gravers have sculptured them then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/i a discourse which was.htm

Acts of Andrew and Matthias
... And Jesus, having looked on the right hand and on the left of the temple, saw
two sculptured sphinxes, one on the right and one on the left. ...
/.../unknown/acts of andrew and matthias/acts of andrew and matthias.htm

In one of the Few Remaining Streets of Rome which the Vandal Hand ...
... white attire, with the moonbeams resting like a halo on her soft hair, might have
easily passed for some favoured saint whom the sculptured angels were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xvii in one of the.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... lintels, uprights, thresholds, for hinges on which to hang their doors, for dressings
in some of their state apartments, in cornices or sculptured friezes on ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

section 2
... and keep them fast. The pollen grains lay hold at the same moment by their
sculptured points and ridges. They "apprehend" each other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 2.htm

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... Behind the Altar, in many churches, is the reredos"a carved or sculptured screen
of wood or stone, frequently extending the whole width of the {39} sanctuary ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/arrangement and furniture of the.htm

Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History ...
... armor of wrought gold. She stopped, facing the company, between two columns
of white marble beautifully sculptured. Upon each a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 2 those days it.htm

Sculptured (5 Occurrences)
...Sculptured (5 Occurrences). ... (DBY RSV). Judges 3:26 Ehud escaped while they delayed,
and passed beyond the sculptured stones, and escaped to Se-i'rah. (DBY RSV). ...
/s/sculptured.htm - 8k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... Palace after palace has been discovered, with their decorations and their sculptured
slabs, revealing the life and manners of this ancient people, their arts ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... Babylonia, Assyria abounded in stone; the brick buildings of Babylonia, accordingly,
were replaced by stone, and the painted or tiled walls by sculptured slabs ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

Images (158 Occurrences)
... 1905.) These rude and unshaped objects do not testify, as was once supposed, to
a lower form of religious development than when sculptured images are found. ...
/i/images.htm - 70k

Knop (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Any boldly projecting sculptured ornament; esp., the ornamental termination
of a pinnacle, and then synonymous with finial; -- called also knob, and ...
/k/knop.htm - 9k

Gadara
... its tombs, which dot the cliffs for a considerable distance round the city, chiefly
on the north-east declivity; but many beautifully sculptured sarcophagi are ...
/g/gadara.htm - 12k

Image (126 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An imitation, representation, or similitude of any person, thing, or act,
sculptured, drawn, painted, or otherwise made perceptible to the sight; a ...
/i/image.htm - 60k

Inventive (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:29 Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that His nature
resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything sculptured by the art and ...
/i/inventive.htm - 7k

Imagine (24 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:29 Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that His nature
resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything sculptured by the art and ...
/i/imagine.htm - 14k

Faculty (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 17:29 Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that His nature
resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything sculptured by the art and ...
/f/faculty.htm - 8k

Sculptured: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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