The Hebrew word bahaṭ, represented by H923, refers to a type of glistening stone, defined as red marble or possibly white marble or alabaster. This is an exceedingly rare word in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its singular purpose is to contribute to a vivid description of royal luxury and architectural beauty.
The sole appearance of H923 is in the book of Esther. It is used to describe the magnificent flooring in the court of the garden at the king's palace. The verse details an opulent pavement H7531 constructed of red H923, blue, white, and black marble. Upon this ornate floor, beds of gold and silver were placed for guests, establishing the immense wealth and grandeur of the Persian king Ahasuerus Esther 1:6.
Several other words for precious materials appear alongside H923 in its only context, painting a fuller picture of the scene:
- H1858 dar: This term, meaning pearl-stone or alabaster, is translated as white and describes another of the colored stones used in the patterned pavement Esther 1:6.
- H5508 çôchêreth: Defined as black marble, this word denotes a third type of stone in the floor, highlighting the detailed and multi-hued craftsmanship of the royal court Esther 1:6.
- H7531 ritspâh: This is the word for the pavement itself, a tessellated floor into which H923 and the other stones were set, indicating a mosaic-like design Esther 1:6.
- H8336 shêsh: Used here for marble, this word describes the general material of the pillars in the court and is used by analogy for the costly stones in the pavement Esther 1:6.
Though it appears in a historical description, the context for H923 carries significant weight by illustrating the setting's character.
- Symbol of Worldly Splendor: The word is exclusively used to build a scene of overwhelming human wealth and power. The pavement made of red marble H923 and other precious stones establishes the material grandeur of the Persian court where the events of Esther unfold Esther 1:6.
- Foundation of Royal Luxury: Positioned under beds H4296 made of gold H2091 and silver H3701, the costly pavement featuring H923 serves as the literal foundation for the royal feast, emphasizing that extravagance was built into the very structure of the palace.
- Element in a Rich Palette: The mention of H923 is part of a larger inventory of valuable materials, including white H2353, green H3768, and blue H8504 hangings fastened with cords of purple H713, which together paint a picture of immense beauty and sophisticated artistry Esther 1:6.
In summary, bahaṭ H923 is a highly specific term for a precious stone, likely red marble. Its single biblical appearance is not in a doctrinal teaching but in a rich, descriptive narrative that establishes a scene of unparalleled royal opulence. It functions as a key detail that underscores the immense wealth and power of the human kingdom that forms the backdrop for the dramatic events in the book of Esther.
TRV