Ivory

(Heb. pl. shenhabbim, the "tusks of elephants") was early used in decorations by the Egyptians, and a great trade in it was carried on by the Assyrians ( Ezekiel 27:6 ; Revelation 18:12 ). It was used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their galleys, and Hiram's skilled workmen made Solomon's throne of ivory ( 1 Kings 10:18 ). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan ( Isaiah 21:13 ), and from the East Indies by the navy of Tarshish ( 1 Kings 10:22 ). Many specimens of ancient Egyptian and Assyrian ivory-work have been preserved. The word habbim is derived from the Sanscrit ibhas , meaning "elephant," preceded by the Hebrew article (ha); and hence it is argued that Ophir, from which it and the other articles mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 were brought, was in India.