Topical Encyclopedia The term "ornate" refers to something that is elaborately or excessively decorated. In the context of the Bible, the concept of ornateness can be seen in various aspects of worship, temple construction, priestly garments, and even in the descriptions of heavenly visions. The use of ornateness often signifies the glory, majesty, and holiness of God, as well as the reverence and honor due to Him.Temple and Tabernacle The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem are prime examples of ornateness in the Bible. The Tabernacle, as described in the book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their wanderings in the desert. It was richly adorned with gold, silver, and bronze, and its curtains were made of fine linen and embroidered with cherubim (Exodus 26:1). The Ark of the Covenant, housed within the Tabernacle, was overlaid with pure gold and featured two cherubim of gold on its cover (Exodus 25:10-22). Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6-7, was even more ornate. It was constructed with the finest materials, including cedar, gold, and precious stones. The inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, was overlaid with pure gold, and the walls were adorned with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers (1 Kings 6:29-30). The Temple's grandeur was a reflection of God's majesty and served as a central place of worship for the Israelites. Priestly Garments The garments worn by the priests, particularly the high priest, were also ornate. In Exodus 28, God provides detailed instructions for making the high priest's garments, which included a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. These garments were made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. The breastpiece was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). The ornateness of these garments symbolized the holiness and the set-apart nature of the priestly office. Heavenly Visions Ornateness is also evident in the descriptions of heavenly visions found in the Bible. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John describes the New Jerusalem as a city of pure gold, as pure as glass, with foundations decorated with every kind of precious stone (Revelation 21:18-21). The gates of the city are made of pearls, and the streets are of pure gold. This ornateness reflects the glory and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. Warnings Against Excessive Ornateness While ornateness is often associated with the worship of God, the Bible also warns against excessive or misplaced ornateness. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, believers are advised, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character over external adornment. In summary, ornateness in the Bible is primarily associated with the worship and glory of God, as seen in the construction of sacred spaces and the attire of those who serve Him. However, believers are reminded to prioritize inner spiritual beauty over outward appearances. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Adorned; decorated; beautiful; as an ornate piece of furniture.2. (a.) Finely finished, as a style of composition. 3. (v. t.) To adorn; to honor. Greek 5171. truphao -- to live luxuriously ... ["Dainty living" in NT times included going to the public baths ("wash houses"), typically decked out with ornate furnishings (eg decorated baths made of marble ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5171.htm - 7k Library Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment Types of Talkers Practical Hints for Speakers The General Service to Two or Many Hieromartyrs. The Object of the Following Treatise. ... Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Animals in the Law ... How the Temperate Style is to be Used. From all this we May Conclude, that the End Arrived at by the Two. ... November the Twenty-Sixth Unconsecrated Souls Thesaurus Ornate (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Adorned; decorated; beautiful; as an ornate piece of furniture. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ornate (1 Occurrence). ... /o/ornate.htm - 6k Ornan (10 Occurrences) Or'no (1 Occurrence) Mart (2 Occurrences) Marketplace (8 Occurrences) Market (24 Occurrences) Architecture Babel (3 Occurrences) Babylon (270 Occurrences) Resources What is the origin and meaning of the Celtic cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | GotQuestions.org I am a Hindu, why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Ornate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ornate (1 Occurrence)Zechariah 6:11 Subtopics Related Terms |