Stone-masons, skilled artisans in the craft of shaping and setting stones, played a significant role in the construction and maintenance of structures in biblical times. Their work is evident in the building of altars, temples, city walls, and other significant edifices mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References and Context

The art of stone masonry is implicitly referenced in several passages of the Bible, highlighting the importance of these craftsmen in ancient Israelite society. In the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, King Solomon employed a vast number of skilled laborers, including stone-masons, to ensure the grandeur and durability of the sacred structure. 1 Kings 5:17-18 states, "And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones. So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple."

The precision and skill required in stone masonry are further illustrated in the construction of the altar. In Exodus 20:25 , God commands, "But if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it." This directive underscores the sanctity associated with stone structures and the care that must be taken in their construction.

Role and Significance

Stone-masons were essential not only for religious structures but also for fortifications and public works. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership involved the expertise of stone-masons. Nehemiah 4:17 describes the laborers: "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried the burdens did their work with one hand and held a weapon with the other." This passage highlights the dual role of the workers as both builders and defenders, emphasizing the strategic importance of their craft.

The skills of stone-masons were also crucial in the construction of palaces and other royal buildings. In 2 Samuel 5:11 , we read, "Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David." This collaboration between Israel and neighboring nations like Tyre illustrates the high regard for skilled stone-masons and their contribution to the prosperity and security of the kingdom.

Symbolism and Metaphor

In addition to their practical contributions, stone-masons and their work carry symbolic meaning in the Bible. The imagery of stones and building is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual truths. In 1 Peter 2:5 , believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone. This metaphor underscores the foundational role of Christ and the unity and strength of the church as a spiritual edifice.

The work of stone-masons, therefore, not only shaped the physical landscape of biblical times but also serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual truths, illustrating the enduring legacy of their craft in both the material and spiritual realms.2796. charash -- engraver, artificer
... 7), craftsmen (10), engraver (2), jeweler* (1), manufacturers (1), masons (1), masons*
(1), shapes (2), skilled (1), smith (1), stonemasons* (1), workers (1). ...
/hebrew/2796.htm - 6k

68. eben -- a stone
... 1), lapis lazuli* (1), line* (1), plumb line (1), plumb* (1), rock (2), rocks (1),
slingstones* (1), stone (106), stonecutters* (1), stonemasons* (1), stones ...
/hebrew/68.htm - 6k

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... Between these two gates there was a third, leading to some streets situated to the
east of the Temple, and inhabited for the most part by stonemasons and other ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

The Cross as a Social Principle
... The stonemasons may look a stone over and conclude that it will not fit into the
building; but the architect may have reserved that stone for the head of the ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter xi the cross as.htm

The Genuine Acts of Peter.
... They, when they had received it, were exceedingly rejoiced, and taking with them
some stonemasons, came about the dawn of the day without their soldiers to the ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/the genuine acts of peter.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Stonemasons (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stonemasons (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 5:11 And
Hiram king of Tyre sendeth messengers unto David, and cedar ...
/s/stonemasons.htm - 7k

Stone-masons (3 Occurrences)
Stone-masons. Stonemasons, Stone-masons. Stones . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Stonemasons, Stone-masons. Stones . Reference Bible.
/s/stone-masons.htm - 7k

Stone-knives (2 Occurrences)
Stone-knives. Stoneheap, Stone-knives. Stonemasons . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Stoneheap, Stone-knives. Stonemasons . Reference Bible.
/s/stone-knives.htm - 6k

Superintend (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:2 And Solomon numbered seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and
eighty thousand stone-masons in the mountain, and three thousand six hundred to ...
/s/superintend.htm - 8k

Stones (244 Occurrences)

/s/stones.htm - 74k

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