Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
MA'SON. The Hebrews no doubt learnt the art of masonry during their residence in Egypt, Ex 1:11, 2 Kgs 22:14, though at a later period we find Phoenician workmen employed by David and Solomon. 1 Kgs 5:17-18; 1 Chr 14:1. By the erection of the temple great skill in the art of masonry was evinced, both in the great wall which supported the temple-platform, and which consisted of huge blocks held together by lead, and in the temple-wall itself, in which the stones were so accurately cut that they could be laid without the application of tools.
In common buildings plastering with mortar was used both without and within. Lev 14:40-42; Matt 23:27. There seems also to have been a kind of plastering with mere mud. called untempered. Eze 13:10-15.
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