Movatterモバイル変換

The term "unhewn" refers to stones or materials that have not been shaped, cut, or worked by human tools. In the context of the Bible, unhewn stones hold significant symbolic and ritual importance, particularly in the construction of altars and sacred spaces. The use of unhewn stones is often associated with purity, divine creation, and the avoidance of human pride or intervention in worship.

Biblical References:

1.Exodus 20:25 : "Now 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 verse is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding the construction of altars. The use of unhewn stones is commanded to maintain the sanctity and purity of the altar, emphasizing that worship should be free from human manipulation and pride.

2.Deuteronomy 27:5-6 : "Moreover, you shall build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use an iron tool on them. You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God." Here, the Israelites are instructed to build an altar on Mount Ebal using unhewn stones. This command underscores the importance of maintaining the natural state of the stones, symbolizing a direct and unaltered connection to God.

3.Joshua 8:31 : "just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool had been used. And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings." This passage recounts the fulfillment of the command given in Deuteronomy, highlighting the obedience of the Israelites in using unhewn stones for the altar, thus preserving the sanctity of their worship.

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of unhewn stones in biblical altars is rich with symbolism. It represents the idea that God's creation is perfect and should not be altered by human hands. The unhewn stones serve as a reminder of humility and the need for humans to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His sovereignty and the perfection of His creation.

In a broader theological context, the use of unhewn stones can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's life. Just as the stones are to remain unaltered, believers are called to maintain purity and integrity, avoiding the corrupting influences of the world. The unhewn stone becomes a symbol of a life that is dedicated to God, untainted by sin or human pride.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the construction of altars and sacred spaces often involved elaborate craftsmanship and decoration. However, the biblical mandate for unhewn stones sets the Israelite practice apart, emphasizing simplicity and divine ordination over human artistry. This distinction highlights the unique relationship between God and His people, where worship is centered on obedience and faith rather than external appearances.

The insistence on unhewn stones also reflects a broader biblical theme of God's desire for authenticity in worship. It serves as a counterpoint to the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, where human craftsmanship was often used to create idols and elaborate altars. By using unhewn stones, the Israelites were making a clear statement of their allegiance to the one true God, who is not represented by human-made images or structures.

Gideon's Altar
... thou shalt not die.' Then Gideon piles up theunhewn stones on the hillside into
a rude altar, apparently not for the purpose of offering sacrifice, but for a...

The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With...
... month, [5108] when Solomon was king over Israel, the king commanded, and they brought
great precious stones for the foundation of the house, andunhewn stones....

You Laugh Because in Ancient Times the Persians Worshipped Rivers....
... the Arabians an unshapen stone; [4642] the Scythian nations a sabre; the Thespians
a branch instead of Cinxia; [4643] the Icarians [4644] anunhewn log instead...

But the Great Mother, Also, Says My Opponent...
... black colour"not smooth, but having little corners standing out, and which to-day
we all see put in that image instead of a face, rough andunhewn, giving to...

The Connection of the Christian virtues.
... Wherefore also they ascended with them, and fitted into the structure of the tower,
andunhewn were built up together; they fell asleep in righteousness and in...

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the...
... will command the seventy thousand burden-bearers not to take any chance stones for
the foundation of the temple, but great stones, precious,unhewn, that they...

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... He piled theunhewn stones, as Abel did, he laid his sheaves of corn upon the altar,
and there he waited, but it was to him a matter of comparative...

Conclusion.
... free to choose. Life lies before us like theunhewn block of marble, and
we may fashion it as we please. Circumstances may seem...

A New Year's Benediction
... Hath God taken us asunhewn stones out of the quarry, and hath he begun to work
upon us, and show his divine art, his marvellous wisdom and grace and will he...

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... Nothing but their simple words, their unvarnished eloquence, their rough declamation,
theirunhewn oratory; these it was, which, by the blessing of God's Spirit...

Unhewn (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceUnhewn (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 27:6 Thou
shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God ofunhewn stones...

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 27:6 Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God ofunhewn stones;
and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God: (ASV DBY...

Altar (343 Occurrences)
... confuse them. The first was an altar consisting of earth orunhewn stones.
It had no fixed shape, but varied with the materials. It...

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)
... first stage all slaughter of domestic animals for food purposes was sacrificial,
and every layman could sacrifice locally at an altar of earth orunhewn stones...

Unheard-of (1 Occurrence)
Unheard-of. Unheard, Unheard-of.Unhewn . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a... done.
(See NIV). Unheard, Unheard-of.Unhewn . Reference Bible.

Unhindered (1 Occurrence)

Ed (1 Occurrence)
... There is in it, therefore, no indication of a general opposition to lay sacrifices
on altars of earth orunhewn stone (see Wiener, EPC, 198)....

Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... part in that memorable scene, when, having conquered the central region of Palestine,
Joshua led the people hither, erected an altar ofunhewn stones, wrote...

Holies (23 Occurrences)
... 41:4). There was then no Ark of the Covenant, but Jewish tradition relates that
the blood of the great Day of Atonement was sprinkled on anunhewn stone that...

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... part in that memorable scene, when, having conquered the central region of Palestine,
Joshua led the people hither, erected an altar ofunhewn stones, wrote...

Unhewn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance •Bible Dictionary •Bible Encyclopedia •Topical Bible •Bible Thesuarus