Ivory in Smiths Bible Dictionary

The word translated "ivory" literally signifies the "tooth" of any animal, and hence more especially denotes the substance of the projecting tusks of elephants. The skilled work-men of Hiram, king of Tyre, fashioned the great ivory throne of Solomon, and overlaid it with pure gold. 1Ki 10:18; 2Ch 9:17 The ivory thus employed was supplied by the caravans of Dedan, Isa 21:13; Eze 27:15 or was brought, with apes and peacocks, by the navy of Tarshish. 1Ki 10:22 The "ivory house" of Ahab, 1Ki 22:39 was probably a palace, the walls of which were panelled with ivory, like the palace of Menelaus described by Homer. Odys. iv. 73. Beds inlaid or veneered with ivory were in use among the Hebrews. Am 6:4