The Hebrew word çôchêreth, represented by H5508, refers to what is probably a black tile or black marble. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the scriptures, making it a highly specific term used for ornamentation. Its definition suggests a material used for laying decorative borders or tessellated floors.
The single biblical appearance of H5508 is in the description of the opulent court of the king in Shushan Esther 1:6. It is listed as one of several luxurious materials used to create a magnificent pavement. The verse details a lavish setting with hangings of various colors fastened with fine linen to silver rings and marble pillars, with beds of gold and silver. The pavement itself was an elaborate mosaic of red, blue, white, and black marble, showcasing the immense wealth and grandeur of the Persian empire.
The context of H5508 places it alongside other valuable and colorful materials. Several related words help complete this picture of royal splendor:
- H923 bahaṭ (red): This word denotes red (marble) and is listed immediately before H5508 in the description of the pavement Esther 1:6.
- H8504 tᵉkêleth (blue): Defined as the color blue, this word describes both the hangings in the court and one of the types of marble in the pavement Esther 1:6.
- H1858 dar (white): This term refers to a white stone, such as mother-of-pearl or alabaster, and is another component of the multicolored floor Esther 1:6.
- H3701 keçeph (silver): Mentioned multiple times in the passage, silver was used for the rings holding the hangings and for the beds, highlighting the value of the materials used throughout the court Esther 1:6.
While H5508 itself carries no direct theological weight, its context within a display of worldly riches connects it to broader scriptural themes concerning material wealth.
- Symbol of Worldly Grandeur: The primary function of çôchêreth in its context is to contribute to a portrait of magnificent human wealth and power, alongside materials like silver H3701 and gold Esther 1:6.
- Insufficiency of Wealth: The silver H3701 present in this scene of luxury is referenced elsewhere as being unable to provide ultimate deliverance, as noted in the prophecy that neither silver nor gold can save from the LORD'S wrath Zephaniah 1:18.
- Metaphor for Divine Purification: In contrast to its use as decoration, silver H3701 is often used as a metaphor for God's spiritual refinement of His people. God sits as a refiner of silver to purify the sons of Levi Malachi 3:3, and He chooses His people in the furnace of affliction, refining them, but "not with silver" Isaiah 48:10.
In summary, H5508 is a specific term for black marble whose importance is derived entirely from its singular context. Its appearance in Esther 1:6 serves to paint a vivid picture of the worldly power and splendor that forms the backdrop of the biblical narrative. While a minor detail, it is part of a larger mosaic of precious materials that scripture uses to contrast earthly riches with divine value and purpose.
TRV