Carve

Carving in Scripture refers primarily to the skilled work of engraving and cutting wood, stone, or ivory for decorative or religious purposes. Bezalel and Oholiab were divinely equipped craftsmen called to carve wood and engrave stone and metal for the tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 31:5; 35:33). Solomon's temple featured extensive carved cedar panels, palm trees, cherubim, and open flowers overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:18, 29, 35). The prophets consistently condemn the carving of idols as an absurd and spiritually ruinous practice — Isaiah in particular develops an extended satirical description of a craftsman cutting down a tree, using half for firewood and half to carve a god that he then worships (Isaiah 44:13–17).