Daily Devotional – December 15

History

We often think that man was primitive in the past. But, then, how do you explain some of the technology of the past? For example, the ancient Egyptians had a blue-colored pigment that was both beautiful and intense, not even fading with severe sunlight exposure. This paint colorant was used by the ancient Egyptians and then passed onto the Greeks and Romans. Yet, during the “dark ages,” Europeans lost the knowledge of how to manufacture this paint (about 1100 years ago). It was not until the 19th century, when Pompeii was uncovered, that a small pot of this pigment was found and analyzed, allowing us to regain this knowledge. Egyptian Blue is calcium copper tetrasilicate. The paint samples contained silica, calcium oxide, and copper oxide. These compounds were mixed together in precise proportions and heated to 1650 degrees Fahrenheit (900 degrees Celsius) for many hours to produce the brilliant, durable, blue pigment.

The ancient Egyptians used chemistry to create an intense, non-fading, blue colorant. Primitive? Hardly! God created Adam genetically perfect and with the maximum human intellect. In Genesis 4:20-22, mankind is described as having knowledge of livestock, metalworking, and music. After the Flood, the tower of Babel was built, and man was dispersed. Some of Noah’s descendants moved to Egypt and brought with them the knowledge and technology of the pre-Flood world. This explains why ancient civilizations seemed to spring up overnight, like in ancient Egypt. This Egyptian blue is a testimony that man was highly skilled right from the beginning - giving proof that the Genesis account is true.

He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron…

~ Genesis 4:20-22

Source: "Pearls in Paradise" by authors Bruce Malone and Jule Von Vett

References for this devotional.