The Letter of Aristeas, a fascinating text that purports to describe the translation of the Hebrew Bible into the Septuagint, gives us a glimpse. But within its pages, there are also some glorious descriptions of the treasures found in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem.
Let’s pull up a chair, shall we, and imagine one of these tables…
According to the Letter, the edge was engraved with a maeander. Now, this wasn't just any old engraving. It was inlaid with precious stones. Rubies flashed like drops of fire, emeralds glimmered with the green of a hidden oasis, and onyx reflected the light with its mysterious bands. Can you picture it? A continuous, winding pattern, each turn punctuated by the brilliance of these gems!
And that was just the beginning. Next to this maeander, a breathtaking piece of network was placed. This created a rhomboid shape at the table's center. Think of a diamond, catching and scattering the light. And what adorned this rhomboid? Crystal and amber, carefully wrought together to create what Aristeas tells us was "an incomparable impression on the beholders." We can only imagine the play of light and color, the sense of awe it inspired.
But the craftsmanship didn’t stop there. The feet of the table were fashioned with heads like lilies. Imagine delicate lily heads, sculpted so they appeared to be bowing gracefully beneath the weight of the table. And the visible parts of the feet? They were shaped like upright leaves, adding a touch of botanical elegance to this masterpiece.
The Letter of Aristeas doesn't just describe furniture; it paints a picture of a world where artistry and faith intertwined. Each detail, from the precious stones to the floral motifs, speaks to a deep appreciation for beauty and a desire to honor the divine.
What does this tell us about the values of the time? What does it say about how they viewed the relationship between the earthly and the heavenly? Perhaps, by contemplating these ancient descriptions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world from which they sprang, and perhaps even a deeper understanding of ourselves.