Clay

(Ps. 45 [44]:9 [as given]) — this oxide, or compound of oxygen with the metal aluminum, was known and worked from the deepest antiquity, in almost the same manner as at present, for the making of clay vessels. It was trodden underfoot (Isa. 41:25); articles of clay were produced on a wheel, by means of turning (Jer. 18:3), and were fired in the sun, or in special kilns (Jer. 43:9). The use of clay for the making of bricks or vessels is known from the very earliest times of the world (Gen. 11:3) (see the word Brick).

Clay in antiquity apparently often had the same use that wax has for us. Thus in the book of Job (38:14) it is said: “that the earth might be changed as clay under the seal, and stand as a variegated garment.” To this day in the East the doors of houses are sealed with seals of clay, which are strictly guaranteed by law. On the bricks of the ruins of Babylon, preserved in the British Museum, are found to this day a multitude of various depictions of seals in clay, as well as the clay seals themselves with Assyrian, Egyptian, and Phoenician inscriptions.

For a seal, the finest clay was generally used, and after certain marks or words had been impressed upon it, it was placed in the fire and baked. According to the explanation of some interpreters of the Gospel, the seal affixed to the stone of the cave in which the Lord was laid was made of clay (Matt. 27:66). The same is noted of the seal on the deed of purchase of land bought by Jeremiah (Jer. 32:14). The prophet Isaiah, explaining the complete dependence of man upon God, uses the following allegorical expression, borrowed from the common use of clay: “we are the clay,” he says, “and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isa. 64:8), and the Apostle Paul, with particular force, addresses the Romans with the following notable question: “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Rom. 9:21).