Ivory

(Heb. pl. shenhabbim, the “tusks of elephants”) was early used in decorations by the Egyptians, and a great trade in it was carried on by the Assyrians (Ezek. 27:6; Rev. 18:12). It was used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their galleys, and Hiram’s skilled workmen made Solomon’s throne of ivory (1 Kings 10:18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan (Isa. 21:13), and from the East Indies by the navy of Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22). Many specimens of ancient Egyptian and Assyrian ivory-work have been preserved. The word habbim is derived from the Sanscrit ibhas, meaning “elephant,” preceded by the Hebrew article (ha); and hence it is argued that Ophir, from which it and the other articles mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 were brought, was in India.

The word translated “ivory” literally signifies the “tooth” of any animal, and hence more especially denotes the substance of the projecting tusks of elephants. The skilled work-men of Hiram, king of Tyre, fashioned the great ivory throne of Solomon, and overlaid it with pure gold. (1 Kings 10:18; 2 Chronicles 9:17) The ivory thus employed was supplied by the caravans of Dedan, (Isaiah 21:13; Ezekiel 27:15) or was brought, with apes and peacocks, by the navy of Tarshish. (1 Kings 10:22) The “ivory house” of Ahab, (1 Kings 22:39) was probably a palace, the walls of which were panelled with ivory, like the palace of Menelaus described by Homer. Odys. iv. 73. Beds inlaid or veneered with ivory were in use among the Hebrews. (Amos 6:4)

I'VORY (tooth), the substance of the tusk of the elephant. From the meaning of the Hebrew word, it is seen that the Jews of Solomon's time understood that it was obtained from a tooth, not from a horn. That which is brought from Ceylon is regarded as most valuable. It was among the merchandise of Tyre, Eze 27:15, and Tarshish. 1 Kgs 10:22. Solomon's throne was built of it, 2 Chr 9:17, 2 Chr 9:21; and so lavishly was it used in various kinds of architecture and in cabinet-work as to justify the expressions found in Am 3:15; Am 6:4 and Eze 27:6. "Ivory palaces," Ps 45:8, probably refers to boxes richly wrought or inlaid with ivory, in which perfume was kept.

I'VORY (tooth), the substance of the tusk of the elephant. From the meaning of the Hebrew word, it is seen that the Jews of Solomon's time understood that it was obtained from a tooth, not from a horn. That which is brought from Ceylon is regarded as most valuable. It was among the merchandise of Tyre, Eze 27:15, and Tarshish. 1 Kgs 10:22. Solomon's throne was built of it, 2 Chr 9:17, 2 Chr 9:21; and so lavishly was it used in various kinds of architecture and in cabinet-work as to justify the expressions found in Am 3:15; Am 6:4 and Eze 27:6. "Ivory palaces," Ps 45:8, probably refers to boxes richly wrought or inlaid with ivory, in which perfume was kept.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The hard, white, opaque, fine-grained substance constituting the tusks of the elephant. It is a variety of dentine, characterized by the minuteness and close arrangement of the tubes, as also by their double flexure. It is used in manufacturing articles of ornament or utility.

2. The tusks themselves of the elephant, etc.

3. Any carving executed in ivory. Mollett.

4. Teeth; as, to show one's ivories. [Slang] Ivory black. See under Black, n. -- Ivory gull (Zoöl.), a white Arctic gull (Larus eburneus). -- Ivory nut (Bot.), the nut of a species of palm, the Phytephas macroarpa, often as large as a hen's egg. When young the seed contains a fluid, which gradually hardness into a whitish, close- grained, albuminous substance, resembling the finest ivory in texture and color, whence it is called vegetable ivory. It is wrought into various articles, as buttons, chessmen, etc. The palm is found in New Grenada. A smaller kind is the fruit of the Phytephas microarpa. The nuts are known in commerce as Corosso nuts. -- Ivory palm (Bot.), the palm tree which produces ivory nuts. -- Ivory shell (Zoöl.), any species of Eburna, a genus of marine gastropod shells, having a smooth surface, usually white with red or brown spots. -- Vegetable ivory, the meat of the ivory nut. See Ivory nut (above).