Topical Encyclopedia
The term "overlayeth" is an archaic form of the verb "overlay," which means to cover the surface of an object with a layer of another material. In the context of the Bible, "overlayeth" is often used to describe the process of covering objects, particularly those used in the tabernacle and temple, with precious metals such as gold or silver. This practice was significant in the construction of sacred items, symbolizing purity, holiness, and the divine nature of God’s dwelling place.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 25:11 : "Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." This verse refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which was to be overlaid with pure gold. The use of gold signifies the Ark's sacredness and the presence of God among His people.
2.
Exodus 26:29 : "Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold." Here, the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle include overlaying the wooden frames and crossbars with gold, emphasizing the splendor and sanctity of the place where God would meet with His people.
3.
1 Kings 6:20-22 : "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." In Solomon's Temple, the use of gold overlay was extensive, highlighting the temple as a place of immense holiness and the glory of God.
Symbolism and Significance:The act of overlaying sacred objects with gold or other precious materials in the Bible carries deep symbolic meaning. Gold, being a metal that does not tarnish, represents the incorruptible and eternal nature of God. The overlaying process signifies the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary, setting apart the objects for divine purposes. This practice underscores the reverence and honor due to God, as well as the beauty and majesty of His presence.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the use of overlaying in the construction of the tabernacle and temple reflects the biblical theme of sanctification. Just as the objects were covered and set apart for holy use, believers are called to be sanctified, set apart for God's purposes. The overlaying with gold can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant, where believers are covered by the righteousness of Christ, making them acceptable in the sight of God.
In summary, "overlayeth" in the Bible is more than a mere construction technique; it is a profound expression of worship, reverence, and the transformative power of God's presence among His people.
Concordance
Overlayeth (19 Occurrences)Exodus 36:34
and the boards he hath overlaid with gold, and their rings he hath made of gold, places for bars, and heoverlayeth the bars with gold.
(YLT)
Exodus 36:36
and he maketh for it four pillars of shittim 'wood', andoverlayeth them with gold; their pegs 'are' of gold; and he casteth for them four sockets of silver.
(YLT)
Exodus 37:2
and heoverlayeth it with pure gold within and without, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about;
(YLT)
Exodus 37:4
and he maketh staves of shittim wood, andoverlayeth them with gold,
(YLT)
Exodus 37:11
andoverlayeth it with pure gold, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about.
(YLT)
Exodus 37:15
And he maketh the staves of shittim wood, andoverlayeth them with gold, to bear the table;
(YLT)
Exodus 37:26
and heoverlayeth it with pure gold, its top and its sides round about, and its horns; and he maketh for it a wreath of gold round about;
(YLT)
Exodus 37:28
And he maketh the staves of shittim wood, andoverlayeth them with gold;
(YLT)
Exodus 38:2
and he maketh its horns on its four corners; its horns have been of the same; and heoverlayeth it with brass;
(YLT)
Exodus 38:6
and he maketh the staves of shittim wood, andoverlayeth them with brass;
(YLT)
1 Kings 6:20
And before the oracle 'is' twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits 'is' its height; and heoverlayeth it with gold refined, and overlayeth the altar with cedar.
(YLT)
1 Kings 6:21
And Solomonoverlayeth the house within with gold refined, and causeth 'it' to pass over in chains of gold before the oracle, and overlayeth it with gold.
(YLT)
1 Kings 6:28
and heoverlayeth the cherubs with gold,
(YLT)
1 Kings 10:18
And the king maketh a great throne of ivory, andoverlayeth it with refined gold;
(YLT)
2 Chronicles 3:4
As to the porch that 'is' on the front, the length 'is' by the front of the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height a hundred and twenty, and heoverlayeth it within with pure gold.
(YLT)
2 Chronicles 3:6
and heoverlayeth the house with precious stone for beauty, and the gold 'is' gold of Parvaim,
(YLT)
2 Chronicles 3:10
And he maketh in the most holy house two cherubs, image work, and heoverlayeth them with gold;
(YLT)
2 Chronicles 9:17
And the king maketh a great throne of ivory, andoverlayeth it with pure gold;
(YLT)
Isaiah 40:19
The image, a workman hath cast 'it', and the goldsmithoverlayeth it with gold, and casteth 'for it' silver chains.
(ASV)
Thesaurus
Overlayeth (19 Occurrences)...Overlayeth (19 Occurrences).
... (YLT). Exodus 37:2 and he
overlayeth it with pure gold
within and without, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about; (YLT).
...Refined (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:20 And before the oracle 'is' twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits
in breadth, and twenty cubits 'is' its height; and heoverlayeth it with...
Wreath (21 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Exodus 37:2 and heoverlayeth it with pure gold within and without,
and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about; (YLT)....
Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:36 and he maketh for it four pillars of shittim 'wood', andoverlayeth
them with gold; their pegs 'are' of gold; and he casteth for them four sockets...
Cherubs (52 Occurrences)
... the house, coming wing against wing; (YLT). 1 Kings 6:28 and heoverlayeth
the cherubs with gold, (YLT). 1 Kings 6:29 and all the...
Overlay (15 Occurrences)
Causeth (209 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:21 And Solomonoverlayeth the house within with gold refined, and causeth
'it' to pass over in chains of gold before the oracle, andoverlayeth it...
Overlaying (4 Occurrences)
Perchance (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 40:19 The image, a workman hath cast it , and the goldsmithoverlayeth
it with gold, and casteth for it'silver chains. (See JPS)....
Pegs (22 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:36 and he maketh for it four pillars of shittim 'wood', andoverlayeth
them with gold; their pegs 'are' of gold; and he casteth for them four sockets...
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