Handicraft
Handicraft
a general term (not occurring, however, in the Bible) for any manufacture. SEE ARTIFICER. Although the extent cannot be ascertained to which those arts were carried whose invention is ascribed to Tubal-Cain (Gen 4:22), it is probable that this was proportionate to the nomadic or settled habits of the antediluvian races. Among nomad races, as the Bedouin Arabs, or the tribes of Northern and Central Asia and of’ America, the wants of life, as well as the arts which supply them, are few; and it is only among the city dwellers that both of them are multiplied and make progress. The following particulars may be gathered respecting the various handicrafts mentioned in he Scriptures. SEE CRAFTSMAN.
1. The preparation of iron for use either in war, in agriculture, or for domestic purposes, was doubtless one (the earliest applications of labor; and, together with iron, working in brass, or, rather, copper alloyed with tin, bronze (, Gesenius, Thes. Heb. p. 875), is mentioned in the same passage as practiced in antediluvian times (Gen 4:22). The use of this last is usually considered as an art of higher antiquity even than that of iron (Hesiod, Works and Days, p. 150; Wilkinson, Anc. Eg. 2, 152, abridgment), and there can be no doubt that metal, whether iron or bronze, must have been largely used, either in material or in tools, for the construction of the ark (Gen 6:14; Gen 6:16). Whether the weapons for war or chase used by the early warriors of Syria and Assyria, or the arrow- heads of the archer Ishmael, were of bronze or iron, cannot be ascertained; but we know that iron was used for warlike purposes by the Assyrians (Layard, Nin. and Bab. p. 194); and, on the other hand, that stone-tipped arrows, as was the case also in Mexico, were used in the earlier times by the Egyptians, as well as the Persians and Greeks, and that stone or flint knives continued to be used by them, and by the inhabit-ants of the desert, and also by the Jews,
For religious purposes, after the introduction of iron into general use (Wilkinson, Anc. Ay. 1, 353, 354; 2, 163; Prescott, Mexico, 1, 118; Exo 4:25; Jos 5:2; Joshua 1 st Egypt. room, Brit. Mus. case 36, 37). In the construction of the tabernacle, copper, but no iron, appears to have been used, though the utility of iron was at the same period well known to the Jews, both from their own use of it and from their Egyptian education, while the Canaanitish inhabitants of Palestine and Syria were in full possession of its use both for warlike and domestic purposes (Exo 20:25; Exo 25:3; Exo 27:19; Num 35:16; Deu 3:11; Deu 4:20; Deu 8:9; Jos 8:31; Jos 17:16; Jos 17:18). After the establishment of the Jews in Canaan, the occupation of a smith () became recognized as a distinct employment (1Sa 13:19). The designer of a higher order appears to have been called specially (Gesenius, p. 531; Exo 35:30; Exo 35:35; 2Ch 26:15; Saalschtitz, Arch. Hebr. c. 14, 16).. The smith’s work (including workers in the precious metals) and its results are often mentioned in Scripture (2Sa 12:31; 1Ki 6:7; 2Ch 26:14; Isa 44:12; Isa 54:16). Among the captives taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar were 1000 craftsmen and smiths, who were probably of the superior kind (2Ki 24:16; Jer 29:2). SEE CHARASHIIM.
The worker in gold and silver (; , argentarius, aurifex) must have found employment both among the Hebrews and the neighboring nations in very early times, as appears from the ornaments sent by Abraham to Rebekah (Gen 24:22; Gen 24:53; Gen 35:4; Gen 38:18; Deu 7:25). But, whatever skill the Hebrews possessed, it is quite clear that they must have learned much from Egypt and its iron- furnaces, both in metal-work and in the arts of setting and polishing precious stones; arts which were turned to account both in the construction of the Tabernacle and the making of the priests’ ornaments, and also in the casting of the golden calf as well as its destruction by Moses, probably, as suggested by Goguet, by a method which he had learnt in Egypt (Gen 41:42; Exo 3:22; Exo 12:35; Exo 31:4-5; Exo 32:2; Exo 32:4; Exo 32:20; Exo 32:24; Exo 37:17; Exo 37:24; Exo 38:4; Exo 38:8; Exo 38:24; Exo 38:24-25; Exo 39:6; Exo 39:39; Neh 3:8; Isa 44:12). Various processes of the goldsmiths’ work, including operations in the raw material, are illustrated by Egyptian monuments (Wilkinson, Anc. Eg. 2, 136,152,162). SEE GOLDSMITH, etc.
After the conquest, frequent notices are found both of molded and wrought metal, including soldering, which last had long been known, in Egypt; but the Phoenicians appear to have possessed greater skill than the Jews in these arts, at least in Solomon’s time (Jdg 3:24; Jdg 3:27; Jdg 17:4; 1Ki 7:13; 1Ki 7:45-46; Isa 41:7; Wis 15:4; Sir 38:28; Bar 6:50; Bar 6:55; Bar 6:57; Wilkinson, 2, 162). SEE ZAREPHATH. Even in the desert, mention is made of beating gold-into plates, cutting it into wire, and also of setting precious stones in gold (Exo 39:3; Exo 39:6, etc.; Beckmamn, tist. nouv. 2, 414; Gesenius, p. 1229). SEE METAL.
Among the tools of the smith are mentioned tongs (, . forceps, Gesenius, p. 761; Isa 6:6), hammer (, , malleus, Gesen. p. 1101), anvil (, Gesenius, p. 1118), bellows. (, , sufflatorium, Gesenius, p. 896; Isa 41:7; Jer 6:29; Sir 38:28; Wilkinson, 2, 316). See each word.
In the N.T., Alexander the coppersmith( ) of Ephesus is mentioned, where also was carried on that trade in silver’ shrines( ) which was represented by Demetrius the silversmith () as being in danger from the spread of Christianity (Act 19:24; Act 19:28; 2Ti 4:14). SEE COPPERSMITH.
2. The work of the carpenter’ ( , (Wilkinson.) artifex lignarius) is often mentioned in Scripture (e.g. Gen 6:14; Exodus 37; Isa 44:13). In the palace built by David for himself, the workmen employed were chiefly Phoenicians sent by Hiram (2Sa 5:11; 1Ch 14:1), as most probably were those, or at least the. principal of those who were employed by Solomon in his works (1Ki 5:6). But in the repairs of the Temple, executed under Joash, king of Judah, and also in the rebuilding under Zerubbabel, no mention is made of foreign workmen, though in the latter case the timber is expressly said to have been brought by sea to Joppa by Zidonians (2Ki 11:11; 2Ch 24:12; Ezr 3:7). That the Jewish carpenters must have been able to carve with some skill is evident from Isa 41:7; Isa 44:13, in which last passage some of the implements used in the trade are mentioned: the rule (, , norma, possibly a chalk pencil, Gesenius, p. 1337), measuring-line (, Gesenius, p. 1201), compass (, , ypaoil, circinus, Gesenius, p. 450), plane, or smoothing instrument (, , uncina (Gesen. p. 1228, 1338), axe (, Gesen. p. 302, or , Gesen. p. 1236, , securis). See each of these words.
The process of the work, and the tools used by Egyptian carpenters, and also coopers and wheelwrights, are displayed in Egyptian monuments and relics; the former, including dovetailing, veneering, drilling, gluing, varnishing, and inlaying, may be seen in Wilkinson, Anc. Eg. 2, 111-119. Of the latter, many specimens, including saws, hatchets, knives, awls, nails, a hone, and a drill, also turned objects in bone, exist in the British Museum, 1st Egypt room, case 42-43, Nos. 6046-6188. See also Wilkinson, 2, p. 113, fig. 395. SEE CARPENTER.
In the N.T. the occupation of a carpenter () is mentioned in connection with Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, and ascribed to our Lord himself by way of reproach (Mar 6:3; Mat 13:55; and Just. Mart. dial. Tryph. c. 88).
3. The masons (, 2Ki 12:12 [18], wallbuilders, Gesenius, p. 269) employed by David and Solomon, at least the chief of them, were Phoenicians, as is implied also in the word , men of Gebal, Jebail, Byblus (Gesen. p. 258; 1Ki 5:18; Eze 27:9; Burckhardt, Syria, p. 179). Other terms employed are , workers of wall-stone (2Sa 5:11; 1Ch 22:15); , stone- cutters or hewers (1Ch 22:2; 1Ch 22:15, workers of stone; Ezr 2:7, etc.). The (2Ki 12:12) were probably maste-masons (builders, 2Ki 12:11). Among their implements are mentioned the saw (, ), the plumb-line (, Gesen. p. 215), the measuring-reed (, , calamus, Gesen. p. 1221). As they also prepared the stones by hewing (1Ch 22:2), they must have used the chisel and the mallet (, 1Ki 6:7), though no mention of the former occurs in Scripture. They used also the measuring-line (, Job 38:5 Zec 1:16) and the axe (, 1Ki 6:7). See each word. Some of these, and also the chisel and mallet, are represented on Egyptian monuments (Wilkinson, Anc. Egyptians, 313, 314), or preserved in the British Museum (1st Egypt. room, No. 6114, 6038). The large stones used in Solomon’s Temple are said by Josephus to have been fitted together. exactly without either mortar or cramps, but the foundation stones to have been fastened-with lead (Josephus, Ant. 8, 3 2; 15, 11, 3). For ordinary building, mortar, ry1s (Gesen. p. 1328), was used; sometimes, perhaps, bitumer. as was the case at Babylon (Gen 11:3). The lime, clay, and straw of which mortar is generally composed in the East requires to be very carefully mixed and united so as to resist wet (Lane, Mod. Eg. 1. 27; Shaw, Travels, p. 206). The wall daubed with untempered mortarof Ezekiel (Eze 13:10) was perhaps a sort of cob-wall of mud or clay Without lime (, Gesenius, p. 1516),which would give way under heavy rain. The use of whitewash on tombs is remarked by our Lord (Mat 23:27; see also Mishn. Maaser Sheni, 5, 1). Houses infected with leprosy were required by the law to be replastered (Lev 14:40-45). For kindred works in earth and clay, SEE BRICK, SEE POTTER; SEE GLASS, etc.
4. Akin to the craft of the carpenter is that of ship and boat building, which must have been exercised to some extent for the fishing-vessels on the lake of Gennesaret (Mat 8:23; Mat 9:1; Joh 21:3; Joh 21:8). Solomon built at Ezion-Geber ships for his foreign trade, which were manned by Phoenician crews, an experiment which Jehoshaphat endeavored n vain to renew (1Ki 9:26-27; 1Ki 22:48; 2Ch 20:36-37). The shipmen were , a sailor (Jon 1:6; Eze 27:8; Eze 27:27-29; , Act 27:30; Rev 18:17); , shipmaster (Jon 1:6; , Act 27:11); , mariner (Eze 27:9, etc.; Jon 1:5). SEE SHIP.
5. The perfumes used in the religious services, and in later times in the funeral rites of monarchs, imply knowledge and practice in the art of the apothecaries(, , pigmentarii), who appear to have formed a guild or association (Exo 30:25; Exo 30:35; Neh 3:8 : 2Ch 16:14; Ecc 7:1; Ecc 10:1; Sir 38:8). SEE PERFUME.
6. The arts of spinning and weaving both wool and linen were carried on in early times, as they still are usually among the Bedouins, by women. The women spun and wove goat’s hair and flax for the Tabernacle, as in later times their skill was employed in like manner for idolatrous purposes. One of the excellences attributed to the good housewife is her skill and industry in these arts (Exo 35:25-26; Lev 19:19; Deu 22:11; 2Ki 23:7; Eze 16:16; Pro 31:13; Pro 31:24, Burckhardt, Notes on Bed. 1, 65; comp. Homer, II. 1, 123; Od. 1, 356; 2, 104). The loom, with its beam (, , liciatorium, 1Sa 17:7; Gesen. p. 883), pin (, , clavus, Jdg 16:14; Gesen. p. 643), and shuttle (, , Job 7:6; Gesen. p. 146) was, perhaps, introduced later, but as early as David’s time (1Sa 17:7), and worked by men, as was the case in Egypt, contrary to the practice of other nations. This trade also appears to have been practiced hereditarily (1Ch 4:21; Herod. 2, 35; Sophocles, (Ed. Col. 339). SEE WEAVING.
Together with weaving we read also of embroider, in which gold and silver threads were interwoven with the body of the stuff, sometimes in figure patterns, or with precious stones set in the needlework (Exo 26:1; Exo 28:4; Exo 39:6-13). SEE EMBROIDERY.
7. Besides these arts, those of dyeing and of dressing cloth were practiced in Palestine [ SEE FULLER, etc.], and those also of tanning and dressing leather (Jos 2:15-18; 2Ki 1:8; Mat 3:4; Act 9:43; Mishna, Megill. 3, 2). Shoemakers, barbers, and tailors are mentioned in the Mishna (Pesach, 4, 6): the barber (, , Gesenius, p. 283), or his occupation, by Ezekiel (Eze 5:1; Lev 14:8 : Num 6:5; Josephus, Ant. 16, II, 5; War, 1, 27, 5; Mishna, Shabb. 1, 2); and the tailor (1:3), plasterers, glaziers, and glass vessels, painters and goldworkers, are mentioned in Mishna (Chel. 8, 9; 29, 3, 4; 30, 1).
The art of setting and engraving precious stones was known to the Israelites from a very early period (Exo 28:9 sq.). See GEM. Works in alabaster were also common among them ( , smelling-boxes, or boxes of perfume; comp. Mat 26:7, etc.). SEE ALABASTER. They also adorned their houses and vessels with ivory (1Ki 22:39; Amo 3:15; Amo 6:4; Son 5:14). SEE IVORY.
Tent-makers () are noticed in the Acts (Act 18:3), and frequent allusion is made to the trade of the potters. See each word.
8. Bakers (, Gesen. p. 136) are noticed in Scripture as carrying on their trade (Jer 37:21; Hos 7:4; Mishna, Chel. 15, 2); and the well-known valley Tyropoeon probably derived its name from the occupation of the cheese-makers, its inhabitants (Josephus War, 5, 4, 1). Butchers, not Jewish, are spoken of in 1Co 10:25.
Trade in all its branches was much developed after the Captivity; and for a father to teach his son a trade was reckoned not only honorable, but indispensable (Mishna, Pirke Ab. 2, 2; Kiddush. 4, 14). Some trades, however, were regarded as less honorable (Jahn, ibl Arch. 84).
Some, if not all, trades had special localities, as was the case formerly in European and is now in Eastern cities (Jer 37:21; 1Co 10:25; Josephus, War, 5, 4, 1, and 8, 1; Mishna, Becor. 5, 1; Russell, Aleppo, 1, 20; Chardin, Voyages, 7, 274, 394; Lane, Mod. gq. 2, 145). SEE BAZAAR.
One feature, distinguishing Jewish from other workmen, deserves peculiar notice, viz. that they were not slaves, nor were their trades necessarily hereditary, as was and is so often the case among other, especially heathen nations (Jahn, Bibl. Arch. c. 5, 81-84; Saalschitz, Hebr. Arch. c. 14). SEE MECHANIC.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Handicraft
(See CIVILIZATION; BRASS.) Jewish workmen, as distinguished from the pagan workmen in ancient times, were not slaves, nor were their trades hereditary. After the captivity it was deemed at once honourable and necessary for a father to teach his son a trade. (Mishna, Pirke, ab. 2:2). Hence, Joseph the carpenter taught the holy Jesus his trade; and many of His own country marveled that works so mighty should be wrought by one like themselves, an artisan: “is not this the carpenter?” (Mar 6:3).
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Handicraft
handi-kraft. See CRAFTS.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Handicraft
In the early periods to which the Scriptural history refers we do not meet with those artificial feelings and unreasonable prejudices against hand-labor which prevail and are so banefully influential in modern society. The primitive history which the Bible presents is the history of hand-laborers. Adam dressed the garden in which God had placed him (Gen 2:15), Abel was a keeper of sheep, Cain a tiller of the ground (Gen 4:3), Tubal-cain a smith (Gen 4:22). The general nature of this article does not require any extensive or detailed inquiry into the hand-labors which the Israelites practiced before their descent into Egypt; but the high and varied culture which they found there must have contributed greatly to increase their knowledge of the practical arts of life, though the herdsman-sort of life which the Hebrews continued to lead was not favorable to their advancement in either science or art.
Another source of knowledge to the Hebrews of handicrafts were the maritime and commercial Phoenicians. Commerce and navigation imply great skill in art and science; and the pursuits to which they lead largely increase the skill whence they emanate. It is not, therefore, surprising that the origin of so many arts has been referred to the north-eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea; nor is there any difficulty in understanding how arts and letters should be propagated from the coast to the interior, conferring high advantages on the inhabitants of Syria in general, as well before as after the settlement of the Hebrew tribes in the land of promise.
The skill of the Hebrews during their wanderings in the desert does not appear to have been inconsiderable; but the pursuits of war and the entire absorption of the energies of the nation in the one great work of gaining the land which had been given to them, may have led to their falling off in the arts of peace; and from a passage in I Samuel (1Sa 13:20) it would appear that not long after they had taken possession of the country they were in a low condition as to the instruments of handicraft. A comparatively settled state of society, however, soon led to the revival of skill by the encouragement of industry. A more minute division of labor ensued. Trades, strictly so called, arose, carried on by persons exclusively devoted to one pursuit. Thus in Jdg 17:4 and Jer 10:14, ‘the founder’ is mentioned, a trade which implies a practical knowledge of metallurgy; the smelting and working of metals were well known to the Hebrews (Job 37:18); brass was in use before iron; arms and instruments of husbandry were made of iron. In Exodus (Exo 35:30-35) a passage occurs which may serve to specify many arts that were practiced among the Israelites, though it seems also to intimate that at the time to which it refers artificers of the description referred to were not numerous. From the ensuing chapter (Exo 35:32) it appears that gilding was known before the settlement in Canaan. The ark (Exo 37:2) was overlaid with pure gold within and without. The cherubim were wrought (‘beaten,’ Exo 37:7) in gold. The candlestick was of beaten gold (Exo 37:17; Exo 37:22). Wire-drawing was probably understood (Exo 38:4; Exo 39:3). Covering with brass (Exo 38:2) and with silver (Pro 26:23) was practiced. Architecture and the kindred arts do not appear to have made much progress till the days of Solomon, who employed an incredible number of persons to procure timber (1Ki 5:13, sq.); but the men of skill for building his temple he obtained from Hiram, king of Tyre (1 Kings 5 sq.; 1Ch 14:1; 2Ch 2:7). The intercourse which the Babylonish captivity gave the Jews seems to have greatly improved their knowledge and skill in both the practical and the fine arts, and to have led them to hold them in very high estimation. The arts were even carried on by persons of learning, who took a title of honor from their trade. It was held a sign of a bad education if a father did not teach his son some handicraft.
In the Apocrypha and New Testament there are mentioned tanners (Act 9:43), tent-makers (Act 18:3); in Josephus, cheese-makers, domestics; in the Talmud, with others we find tailors, shoe-makers, blood-letters, glaziers, goldsmiths, plasterers. Certain handicraftsmen could never rise to the rank of high-priest, such as weavers, barbers, fullers, perfumers, cuppers, tanners; which pursuits, especially the last, were held in disesteem. In large cities particular localities were set apart for particular trades, as is the case in the East to the present day. Thus in Jeremiah (Jer 37:21) we read of ‘the bakers Street.’ So in the Talmud mention is made of a flesh-market; in Josephus, of a cheese-market; and in the New Testament (Joh 5:2) we read of a sheep-market.
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Handicraft
Handicraft. Act 18:3; Act 19:25; Rev 18:22. Says Rabbi Jehuda, “He who does not teach his son a trade is much the same as if he taught him to be a thief.” Metalworkers. The preparation of iron for use either in war, in agriculture, together with iron, working in brass, or rather copper alloyed with tin (bronze), is mentioned as practiced in antediluvian times. Gen 4:22. After the establishment of the Jews in Canaan, the occupation of a smith became a distinct employment. 1Sa 13:19. The smith’s work and its results are often mentioned in Scripture, 2Sa 12:31; 1Ki 6:7; 2Ch 26:14; Isa 44:12; Isa 54:1-17; Isa 16:1-14. The worker also in gold and silver must have found employment among the Hebrews in very early times. Gen 24:22; Gen 24:53; Gen 35:4; Gen 38:18. Various processes of the goldsmith’s work are illustrated by Egyptian monuments. After the conquest frequent notices are found of both moulded and wrought metal, including soldering. Carpenters are often mentioned in Scripture. Gen 6:14; Exo 37:1-29; Isa 44:13. In the palace built by David for himself the workmen employed were chiefly foreigners. 2Sa 6:11. That the Jewish carpenters must have been able to carve with some Skill is evident from Isa 41:7; Isa 44:13. In the New Testament the occupation of a carpenter is mentioned in connection with Joseph the husband of Mary, and our Lord himself was a carpenter. Mat 13:55; Mar 6:3. Masons and stone-cutters were employed by David and Solomon, many of whom were Phnicians. 1Ki 5:18. The large stones used in Solomon’s temple are said by Josephus to have been fitted together exactly without either mortar or clamps, but the foundation stones to have been fastened with lead. For ordinary building mortar was used; sometimes bitumen, as at Babylon. Gen 11:3; Eze 13:10. The use of whitewash on tombs is noticed by our Lord. Mat 23:27. Shipboat-building was common to some extent, for there were the fishing-vessels on the Lake of Gennesaret. Mat 8:23; Mat 9:1; Joh 21:3; Joh 21:8. Solomon built ships for his foreign trade. 1Ki 9:26-27; 1Ki 22:48; 2Ch 20:36-37. Apothecaries or perfumers appear to have formed a guild or association. Exo 30:25; Exo 30:35; 2Ch 16:14; Neh 3:8; Ecc 7:1; Ecc 10:1. The arts of spinning and weaving both wool and linen were carried on in early times by women. Exo 35:25-26; Lev 19:19; Deu 22:11; 2Ki 23:7; Eze 16:16; Pro 31:13; Pro 31:24. The loom with Its beam, 1Sa 17:7, pin, Jdg 16:14, and shuttle, Job 7:6, was perhaps introduced later, but as early as David’s time. 1Sa 17:7. Dyeing and dressing cloth were practiced in Palestine, as were also tanning and dressing leather. Jos 2:15-18; 2Ki 1:8; Mat 3:4; Act 9:43. Barbers. Num 6:5; Num 6:19; Eze 5:1. Tentmakers are noticed in Act 18:3. Potters are frequently alluded to. Jer 18:2-6. Bakers are noticed in Scripture, Jer 37:21; Hos 7:4; and the well-known valley Tyropon probably derived its name from the occupation of the cheese-makers, its inhabitants. Dealers in meat, not Jewish, are spoken of in 1Co 10:25.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Handicraft
Handicraft. Act 18:3; Act 19:25; Rev 18:22. A trade was taught to all the Jewish boys as a necessary part of their education. Even the greatest rabbis maintained themselves by trades (Delitzsch). Says Rabbi Jehuda, “He who does not teach his son a trade is much the same as if he taught him to be a thief”. In the present article, brief notice only can be given of such handicraft trades as are mentioned in Scripture.
1. Smiths or metal-workers. — The preparation of iron for use either in war, in agriculture or for domestic purposes was doubtless one of the earliest applications of labor; and together with iron, working in brass, or rather copper alloyed with tin (bronze), is mentioned as practiced in antediluvian times. Gen 4:22. After the establishment of the Jews in Canaan, the occupation of a smith became recognized as a distinct employment – 1Sa 13:19. The smith’s work and its results are often mentioned in Scripture. 2Sa 12:31; 1Ki 6:7; 2Ch 26:14; Isa 44:12; Isa 54:16. The worker in gold and silver must have found employment among both the Hebrews and the neighboring nations in very early times. Gen 24:22; Gen 24:53; Gen 35:4; Gen 38:18. Various processes of the goldsmith’s work are illustrated by Egyptian monuments. After the conquest, frequent notices are found of both moulded and wrought metal, including soldering.
2. Carpenters are often mentioned in Scripture. Gen 6:14; Exodus 37; Isa 44:13. In the palace built by David for himself, the workmen employed were chiefly foreigners. 2Sa 5:11. That the Jewish carpenters must have been able to carve with some skill is evident from Isa 41:7; Isa 44:13. In the New Testament, the occupation of a carpenter is mentioned in connection with Joseph the husband of the Virgin Mary, and ascribed to our Lord himself. Mat 13:55; Mar 6:3. The trade included our cabinet work as well as carpentering.
3. The masons employed by David and Solomon, at least the chief of them, were Phoenicians. 1Ki 5:18; Eze 27:9. The large stones used in Solomon’s Temple are said by Josephus to have been fitted together exactly without either mortar or clamps, but the foundation stones to have been fastened with lead. For ordinary building, mortar was used; sometimes, perhaps, bitumen, as was the case at Babylon. Gen 11:3. The wall “daubed with untempered mortar” of Eze 13:10 was perhaps a sort of cob-wall of mud or clay without lime, which would give way under heavy rain. The use of whitewash on tombs is remarked by our Lord. Mat 23:27.
4. Ship-building must have been exercised to some extent for the fishing-vessels on the Lake of Gennesaret. Mat 8:23; Mat 9:1; Joh 21:3; Joh 21:8. Solomon built ships for his foreign trade. 1Ki 9:26-27; 1Ki 22:48; 2Ch 20:36-37.
5. Apothecaries or perfumers appear to have formed a guild or association. Exo 30:25; Exo 30:35; 2Ch 16:14; Neh 3:8; Ecc 7:1; Ecc 10:1. Sir 38:8.
6. Weavers. — The arts of spinning and weaving both wool and linen were carried on in early times, as they usually are still among the Bedouins, by women. Exo 35:20; Exo 35:26; Lev 19:19; Lev 22:11; 2Ki 23:7; Eze 16:16; Pro 31:13-14. The loom with its beam, 1Sa 17:7 pin, Jdg 16:14, and shuttles Job 7:6 was perhaps introduced later, but as early as David’s time. 1Sa 17:7.
7. Dyeing and dressing cloth were practiced in Palestine, as were also tanning and dressing leather. Jos 2:15-18; 2Ki 1:8; Mat 3:4; Act 9:43.
8. Barbers. Num 6:5; Num 6:19; Eze 5:1.
9. Tentmakers are noticed in Act 18:3.
10. Potters are frequently alluded to. Jer 18:2-6.
11. Bakers are noticed in Scripture, Jer 37:21; Hos 7:4, and the well-known valley Tyropoeon probably derived its name from the occupation of the cheese-makers, its inhabitants.
12. Butchers, not Jewish, are spoken of 1Co 10:25.
Shoemakers, tailors, glaziers and glass vessels painters and gold workers are mentioned in the Mishna. Chel. viii. 9; xxix. 3,4; xxx. 1.