The Hebrew word dar, represented by H1858, refers to a pearl, pearl-stone, or alabaster. It appears just 1 time in 1 verse in the Bible. The term is associated with the color white, likely due to the sheen of a pearl or the color of alabaster.
The single use of H1858 is found in the description of the opulent court of the Persian king in the book of Esther. It is listed as one of the materials in a magnificent pavement H7531. The verse details a floor made of "red H923, and blue H8504, and white H1858, and black H5508, marble H8336" Esther 1:6. This context places the word firmly in a setting of immense royal wealth and elaborate decoration.
Several related words from the passage help illustrate the luxurious context:
- H7531 ritspâh (pavement): This is the object that H1858 is part of. It refers to a tessellated pavement, establishing the setting as a decorated floor Esther 1:6. In another context, the children of Israel worshipped upon a pavement 2 Chronicles 7:3.
- H8336 shêsh (marble): This word is used in conjunction with H1858 to describe the pavement materials. It can refer to marble or fine linen, highlighting valuable and refined goods Esther 1:6.
- H2091 zâhâb (gold): The beds in the same setting were made of gold and silver, further emphasizing the extreme wealth. The value of gold is a recurring theme, often used as a measure of blessing or a test of character Job 23:10.
- H923 bahaṭ (red marble): This term, translated as red (marble), is another component of the colorful pavement, showing the variety and expense of the materials used in the royal court Esther 1:6.
While not a primary theological term, the context of H1858 touches upon related themes:
- Display of Worldly Splendor: The use of H1858 is part of a detailed inventory of luxurious goods designed to display the vast wealth and power of a human king Esther 1:6.
- Beauty of Created Materials: The passage lists numerous precious materials, including gold H2091, silver H3701, and various colored stones. This showcases the beauty found in materials from the created world, even when used for human extravagance.
- The Limitation of Earthly Treasures: The scene in Esther is filled with silver H3701 and gold H2091, yet other scriptures remind that such material wealth is ultimately unable to deliver a person from the Lord's wrath Zephaniah 1:18.
In summary, H1858 is a specific and rare word used to denote a white precious material, likely a type of pearl or stone like alabaster. Its sole biblical appearance is to help paint a picture of extraordinary human wealth and luxury in the court of a Persian king. While its direct theological application is limited, its context provides a powerful illustration of earthly splendor, which stands in contrast to themes of true, lasting value found elsewhere in scripture.
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