[75] 2 Chron. iv. 2. The dimensions, however, of this vessel were far greater. It is singular that in some of the bas-reliefs large metal caldrons supported on brazen oxen are represented.
[76] They were dedicated to the gods in temples. Colœus dedicated a large vessel of brass, adorned with griffins, to Heré. Herod. iv. 152.
[77] The Egyptian goddess Athor is represented with similar ears and hair.
[78] 1 Kings, vii. 13, 14. 2 Chron. iv.
[79] 2 Kings, xxiv. 14, 16. Jeremiah xxiv. 1.; xxix. 2.
[80] In ancient history, embossed or inlaid goblets are continually mentioned amongst the offerings to celebrated shrines. Gyges dedicated goblets, Alyattes, a silver cup, and an inlaid iron saucer (the art of inlaying having been invented, according to Herodotus, by Glaucus), and Crœsus similar vessels, in the temple of Delphi. (Herod. i. 14. and 25. Pausanias, l, x.) They were also given as acceptable presents to kings and distinguished men, as we see in 2 Sam. viii. 10. and 3 Chron. ix. 23, 24. The Lacedæmonians prepared for Crœsus a brazen vessel ornamented with forms of animals round the rim (Herod. i. 70.), like some of the bowls described in the text. The embossings on the Nimroud bronzes may furnish us with a very just idea of the figures and ornaments of the celebrated shield of Achilles, which were probably much the same in treatment and execution.
[81] Such may have been “the bosses of the bucklers” mentioned in Job, xv. 26.
[82] 1 Kings, x. 16, 17.; xiv. 25, 26.
[83] Jer. li. 11. Ezek. xxi. 21., and compare Isaiah, xlix. 2., where a polished shaft is mentioned.
[84] Nineveh and its Remains, vol. ii. p. 319.