The term "rock-hewn" refers to structures, tombs, or other objects that have been carved directly out of solid rock. This method of construction is significant in biblical history and archaeology, as it demonstrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient peoples in the biblical lands. Rock-hewn structures are often associated with durability and permanence, symbolizing strength and stability.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Tombs and Burial Practices: One of the most notable uses of rock-hewn structures in the Bible is in the context of tombs. The Gospels describe the burial of Jesus Christ in a rock-hewn tomb. In Matthew 27:60 , it is recorded that Joseph of Arimathea "placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock." This detail underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus' burial in a manner befitting a person of honor and wealth.

2. Cities and Fortifications: Rock-hewn constructions were also used in the creation of cities and fortifications. The city of Petra, though not directly mentioned in the Bible, serves as an example of a rock-hewn city that reflects the type of architecture that would have been familiar to biblical peoples. The use of rock-hewn structures in fortifications is indicative of the strategic importance of such constructions in providing defense and security.

3. Symbolism of Strength and Refuge: In biblical literature, rock is often used metaphorically to represent strength, refuge, and the enduring nature of God's promises. While not directly referring to rock-hewn structures, the imagery of God as a "rock" is prevalent. For instance, in Psalm 18:2 , David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer." This metaphorical use highlights the perceived strength and reliability of rock-hewn constructions.

4. Cultural and Historical Context: The practice of carving into rock was common in the ancient Near East, where suitable rock formations were available. This method was employed not only for practical reasons but also for its symbolic implications. Rock-hewn structures often served religious or ceremonial purposes, as seen in various archaeological sites throughout the region.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have provided valuable insights into the construction techniques and cultural significance of rock-hewn structures. Sites such as the tombs in the Kidron Valley and the rock-cut architecture of the Nabateans offer a glimpse into the advanced engineering skills of ancient civilizations. These findings corroborate biblical accounts and enhance our understanding of the historical and cultural backdrop of the Scriptures.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of rock-hewn tombs in the burial of Jesus Christ carries profound implications. It signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the divine orchestration of events leading to the resurrection. The rock-hewn tomb becomes a symbol of the new covenant and the hope of eternal life through Christ's victory over death.

In summary, the concept of "rock-hewn" in the Bible encompasses both literal and metaphorical dimensions, reflecting the physical realities of ancient construction and the spiritual truths conveyed through biblical imagery.

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... I know that my redeemer liveth." It is the opinion of some commentators that Job,
in speaking of the rock here, intended his own rock-hewn sepulchre, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

The King.
... upon thee will I wait" (lix.9). We can fancy the glad march to the ancient Hebron,
where the great fathers of the nation lay in their rock-hewn tombs. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

"Art Thou He?"
... another?". I. JOHN'S MISGIVINGS."Can this be he who, but a few months ago,
had stood in his rock-hewn pulpit, in radiant certainty? The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xi art thou he.htm

Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The ...
... The history reads like a fulfillment of the apocalyptic imagery of a rock hewn
from the mountain without hands, moving on to fill the earth. ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter iv antecedents of permanent.htm

The Lord of Demons
... He lives up in the rock-hewn tombs which overhang the beach; for all that belongs
to corruption and death is congenial to the subjects of that dark kingdom of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the lord of demons.htm

Shod for the Road
... In the inland part of their territory they cultivated large olive groves, the
produce of which was trodden out in great rock-hewn cisterns. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/shod for the road.htm

On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ...
... GREY dawn was streaking the sky, when they who had so lovingly watched Him to His
Burying were making their lonely way to the rock-hewn Tomb in the Garden. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii on the third.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... Over the rock-hewn cave which monks point out as the stable where Christ was born,
there stands a church built by the Empress Helena, ad325-327, which is the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

On the Preparation of a Burial Ground.
... may all who slumber here,. Redeem'd from sin in Jesus sleep,. Till He who is their
life appear. As in His rock-hewn sepulchre,. Where man had never lain before, ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccciii on the preparation.htm

Delivered from Prison
... Peter was confined in a rock-hewn cell, the doors of which were strongly bolted
and barred; and the soldiers on guard were made answerable for the safekeeping ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 15 delivered from prison.htm

Rock-hewn (1 Occurrence)
Rock-hewn. Rock-goats, Rock-hewn. Rocks . Multi-Version Concordance
Rock-hewn (1 Occurrence). Luke 23:53 And he took ...
/r/rock-hewn.htm - 6k

Rocks (48 Occurrences)

/r/rocks.htm - 21k

Kamon (1 Occurrence)
... square, crown a small elevation, and point to an important place in the past.
There are large rock-hewn cisterns to the South. Among ...
/k/kamon.htm - 7k

Timnath-serah (2 Occurrences)
... South of the village, in the face of a rock, are a series of rock-hewn tombs, the
largest of which, containing 14 loculi, and a small chamber behind with one ...
/t/timnath-serah.htm - 10k

Timnathserah (2 Occurrences)
... South of the village, in the face of a rock, are a series of rock-hewn tombs, the
largest of which, containing 14 loculi, and a small chamber behind with one ...
/t/timnathserah.htm - 10k

Tombs (27 Occurrences)
... They were sometimes whitewashed (Matthew 23:27, 29). The body of Jesus was laid
in Joseph's new rock-hewn tomb, in a garden near to Calvary. ...
/t/tombs.htm - 16k

Rock-goats (1 Occurrence)
Rock-goats. Rocked, Rock-goats. Rock-hewn . Multi-Version Concordance
Rock-goats (1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Rocked, Rock-goats. Rock-hewn . Reference
/r/rock-goats.htm - 6k

Edom (108 Occurrences)
... from the head of the Gulf of Akabah, the Elanitic gulf, to the foot of the Dead
Sea (1 Kings 9:26), and contained, among other cities, the rock-hewn Sela (qv ...
/e/edom.htm - 53k

Myra (1 Occurrence)
... The elaborate details of the decoration of theater are unusually well preserved,
and the rock-hewn tombs about the city bear many bas-reliefs and inscriptions ...
/m/myra.htm - 8k

Phrygia (4 Occurrences)
... The entire country abounds with ruins of former cities and with almost countless
rock-hewn tombs, some of which are of very great antiquity. ...
/p/phrygia.htm - 11k

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