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
(Ezekiel 27:6; Revelation 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
(Isaiah 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.
