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Plastering in biblical times was a common practice used in construction and decoration, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The process involved applying a mixture, often composed of lime, sand, and water, to walls and structures to create a smooth, durable surface. This technique is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting its significance in ancient Near Eastern architecture and daily life.

Biblical References

One of the earliest mentions of plastering is found in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. InDeuteronomy 27:2-4, Moses instructs the Israelites to set up large stones on Mount Ebal, coat them with plaster, and inscribe the words of the law upon them: "And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land the LORD your God is giving you, you are to set up large stones and coat them with plaster. Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over, so that you may enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you."

This use of plastering served a dual purpose: it preserved the inscribed words and made them more visible to the people, ensuring that the law was prominently displayed and accessible to all.

InEzekiel 13:10-15, plastering is used metaphorically to describe the false prophets who mislead the people of Israel. The passage criticizes those who "whitewash" flimsy walls, giving a false sense of security: "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash, tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be a deluge of rain, and I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth."

This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of false teachings, comparing them to poorly constructed walls that are superficially improved with plaster but ultimately lack stability and integrity.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, plastering was not only a practical construction technique but also a symbol of purity and cleanliness. Houses and public buildings were often plastered to protect against the elements and to create a clean, white appearance. This practice was consistent with the broader cultural emphasis on purity and order, as seen in various aspects of Israelite law and ritual.

The use of plaster in religious and civic architecture underscored the importance of maintaining structures that were both functional and reflective of divine order. Plastering also played a role in the maintenance of ritual purity, as it was easier to clean and maintain than bare stone or mud-brick surfaces.

Theological Implications

The biblical references to plastering carry deeper theological implications, particularly in the context of truth and integrity. The metaphor of whitewashed walls in Ezekiel serves as a warning against superficiality and deceit, urging believers to seek genuine righteousness and truth rather than relying on outward appearances.

In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this theme in His rebuke of the Pharisees, whom He describes as "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:27), beautiful on the outside but full of corruption within. This imagery reinforces the call to authentic faith and the rejection of hypocrisy.

Overall, the practice of plastering in the Bible serves as a rich symbol of the need for both physical and spiritual integrity, reminding believers of the importance of building their lives on a solid foundation of truth and righteousness.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Plaster.

2. (n.) Same as Plaster.

3. (n.) The act or process of overlaying with plaster.

4. (n.) A covering of plaster; plasterwork.

PLASTERING

plas'-ter-ing.

SeeCRAFTS, II, 15.

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... it may seem most effectual, will be but like painting the face of one who is ready
to die, or laboring to repair a ruinous house, byplastering and adorning...

Against Embellishing the Body.
... At the dawn of day, mangling, racking, andplastering themselves over with certain
compositions, they chill the skin, furrow the flesh with poisons, and with...

John xii. 34
... For as those who whitewash decayed walls, cannot by theplastering make them sound,
so too those who lie are easily found out, as in fact was the case here...

Mobbed by Masons
... and rolled away the stones. The mob quickly rewarded him byplastering him
over with mortar from head to foot. They then fell upon...

Obedience
... Leviticus 6:13. Hypocrites' obedience is but for a season; it is likeplastering
work, which is soon washed off; but true obedience is constant....

The Christian Life
... a thing is painful or pleasant is as absurd as to care whether the bricklayer's
trowel is knocking the sharp corner off a brick, orplastering mortar on the...

Chaldaean Civilization
... The idea might not have occurred to us had we not found elsewhere an attempt to
lessen the gloomy appearance of the architecture by colouredplastering....

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <....

Plastering
... plaster. 4. (n.) A covering of plaster; plasterwork. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.PLASTERING. plas'-ter-ing. See CRAFTS, II, 15....

Float (4 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The trowel or tool with which the floated coat ofplastering is leveled
and smoothed. 11. (n.) A polishing block used in marble working; a runner. 12....

Stubble (18 Occurrences)
... Tibn is mixed with clay forplastering walls or for making sun-dried bricks.
It is also mixed with lime and sand forplastering....

Straw (21 Occurrences)
... Tibn is mixed with clay forplastering walls or for making sun-dried bricks.
It is also mixed with lime and sand forplastering....

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
...Plastering 16.... 15.Plastering: (The King James Version "Plaistering.") The trade
ofplastering dates back to the beginning of the history of building....

Key (8 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A keystone. 9. (n.) That part of theplastering which is forced
through between the laths and holds the rest in place. 10....

Lime (4 Occurrences)
... It develops great heat when treated with water, forming slacked lime, and is
an essential ingredient of cement,plastering, mortar, etc....

Let (16815 Occurrences)
... To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract; -- often with out;
as, to let the building of a bridge; to let out the lathing and theplastering...

Ground (538 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) One of the pieces of wood, flush with theplastering, to which
moldings, etc., are attached; -- usually in the plural. 12....

Floating (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (n.) Floating threads. See Floating threads, above. 6. (n.) The second coat of
three-coatplastering. Multi-Version Concordance Floating (1 Occurrence)....

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