Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(burnt in). Ancient ink heavy and thick and carried in an ink-horn (Jer. 36:18; Ezek. 9:2).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
We know from the papyrus rolls discovered in Egypt that writing with pen, or reed, and ink was practiced in early days. Jeremiah caused Baruch to write in a book with ink the denunciations against Israel and Judah (Jer. 36:18). The horn that contained the ink was carried in the girdle, as it is in some parts of the East to this day (Ezek. 9:2-3,11).
“552. Ink” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Jeremiah 36:18. He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
1. The ink of the ancients was usually composed of lampblack, soot, or pulverized charcoal, prepared with gum and water. It was sold in small particles or grains. When needed for use some of the grains were put into the inkhorn, (see note on Ezekiel 9:2, #570) and mixed with water until the mixture became of the consistence of our modern printer’s ink. It was of an intense glossy black, retaining its color for ages, yet easily obliterated with sponge and water. This is thought to be referred to in Numbers 5:23, and Col. 2:14. The ink still used in the East is mostly of this character.
Ink is also mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 John 12, and 3 John 13.
2. For a description of books, see note on Job 19:23-24 (#414).
“570. The Inkhorn” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Ezekiel 9:2. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side.
It is still customary in the East to put into the girdle the case containing writing implements. It consists of two parts, a receptacle for the pens, and a box for the ink. It is sometimes made of ebony or some other hard wood, but generally of metal brass, copper, or silver—often highly polished and of exquisite workmanship. It is about nine or ten inches long, one and a half or two inches wide, and half an inch deep. The hollow shaft contains pens of reed and a penknife, and has a lid. To the upper end of this case the inkstand is soldered if of metal. This is a small box, square, round, or polygonal; has a lid which moves on hinges, and fastens with a clasp. It is usually twice as heavy as the shaft. The projection of the inkstand is seen outside the girdle, while the shaft is concealed by its folds.
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