Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, including the regions described in the Bible, houses and apartments of the wealthy were often adorned with luxurious materials, one of which was ivory. This practice is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting the opulence and grandeur associated with such dwellings.The use of ivory in construction and decoration is notably referenced in the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The prophet Amos, in his denunciation of the excesses and injustices of Israel, specifically mentions houses adorned with ivory. In Amos 3:15 , the Lord declares, "I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end." This passage indicates that the affluent in Israel had multiple residences, including those inlaid with ivory, signifying their wealth and status. Similarly, the opulence of King Ahab's palace is described in 1 Kings 22:39 , which states, "As for the rest of the acts of Ahab, along with all his accomplishments, the ivory house he built, and all the cities he fortified, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?" This reference to an "ivory house" suggests a structure richly decorated with ivory, underscoring Ahab's wealth and the luxurious lifestyle of the Israelite monarchy. The use of ivory in such contexts was not merely decorative but also a symbol of power and prestige. Ivory, being a rare and expensive material, was often imported from distant lands, making it a marker of international trade and influence. The presence of ivory in the homes of the wealthy served as a testament to their economic and political connections. In the broader biblical narrative, the mention of ivory-inlaid houses serves as a critique of the moral and spiritual decay that often accompanied material prosperity. The prophets frequently warned against the complacency and idolatry that could arise from such wealth, urging the people to return to a life of righteousness and justice. The archaeological record supports the biblical accounts of ivory use in ancient Israel. Excavations at sites such as Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, have uncovered ivory fragments, including plaques and inlays, which were likely used to decorate furniture and walls. These findings corroborate the biblical descriptions and provide a tangible link to the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative. In summary, the biblical references to houses inlaid with ivory reflect the wealth and luxury of certain segments of ancient Israelite society. These descriptions serve as both a historical record and a moral lesson, illustrating the potential pitfalls of material excess and the enduring call to live in accordance with God's commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 22:39Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? Torrey's Topical Textbook Amos 3:15 Library The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ... Chaldaean Civilization Christian Churches. The Memphite Empire Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources What is a house blessing? Is a house blessing biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs a house dedication a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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