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 (kjvKings:10:18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan Isaiah:21:13), and from the East Indies by the navy of Tarshish (kjvKings: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 kjvKings:10:22 were brought, was in India.
