“They were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!” Job 19:24
Engraving is an art in which we etch or cut into a hard surface with an iron pen, stylus, or diamond cutter. It leaves an impression that is long-lasting on clay, wood, stone, metal, or precious gems.
Engraving is mentioned several times in the Bible. The High Priest Aaron wore a very special robe. On his shoulders were onyx stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. And on his chest was a large plate imbedded with 12 more stones, each with the name of a tribe etched in it. We read in Exodus 28:11 and 21, “Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. . . . There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved.”
Exodus 32:16 presents the picture of God engraving the Ten Commandments on the tablets of stone: “The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.” And we can only imagine how beautiful Solomon’s temple was when we read in 1 Kings 7:36, “He engraved cherubim, lions and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and on the panels, in every available space, with wreaths all around.”
When Job spoke our reference, he was thinking of the joy of knowing his living Redeemer, and he would one day see him face to face. “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes!” We share that same hope!
From Precious Words of the Bible by Reynold R. Kremer