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Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
the Week of Proper 21 / Ordinary 26
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Earthen, Vessels
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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ûrth ´'n , (חרשׂ , ḥeres , יצר , yecer ; ὀστράκινος , ostrákinos ): These vessels were heat-resisting and were used for cooking and for boiling clothes (Leviticus 6:28; Leviticus 11:33; Leviticus 14:5 , Leviticus 14:50 ). They were probably non-porous and took the place of the ḳidri or ma'ajin used in Syria today. A traveler in the interior of Palestine may still meet with the hospitality showed to David (2 Samuel 17:28 ). The generous natives brought not only gifts of food but the necessary vessels in which to cook it. An earthen vessel was used to preserve a land deed (Jeremiah 32:14 ).
Figurative: In Jeremiah 19:1 breaking of an earthen vessel was symbolical of the destruction of Jerusalem. These vessels were also used to symbolize the commonness ( Lamentations 4:2 ) and frailness of our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:7 ). See POTTERY .
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Earthen, Vessels'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/e/earthen-vessels.html. 1915.
