In biblical times, bolts were essential components of doors and gates, serving as mechanisms for security and protection. The term "bolt" in the Bible often refers to a bar or rod used to fasten doors, ensuring that they remain closed against intruders or adverse elements. The concept of bolts is both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing strength, security, and divine protection.

Old Testament References

1. Physical Security: Bolts are mentioned in the context of fortifying cities and homes. In Judges 16:3, Samson famously removes the doors of the city gate of Gaza, along with the two gateposts and the bar, demonstrating his God-given strength. This act underscores the importance of bolts in securing city gates against enemies.

2. Divine Protection: In Deuteronomy 33:25, Moses blesses the tribe of Asher, saying, "May the bolts of your gates be iron and bronze, and your strength match your days." Here, bolts symbolize enduring strength and divine protection, suggesting that God Himself fortifies the boundaries of His people.

3. Symbol of Strength: In 1 Kings 4:13, the term "bolts" is used in the context of Solomon's reign, where the fortified cities are equipped with strong defenses. This reflects the prosperity and security of Israel under Solomon's rule, with bolts representing the strength and stability of his kingdom.

Metaphorical Usage

1. Spiritual Security: Bolts are also used metaphorically to describe spiritual security and the steadfastness of God's promises. In Isaiah 45:2, God declares, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." This passage illustrates God's power to overcome obstacles and provide protection for His people.

2. Divine Judgment: In Lamentations 2:9, the prophet Jeremiah laments the destruction of Jerusalem, stating, "Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has broken and destroyed her bars." Here, the breaking of bolts signifies divine judgment and the removal of protection due to the people's disobedience.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention bolts, the concept of security and protection is prevalent. Jesus refers to Himself as the "door" in John 10:9, emphasizing that through Him, believers find safety and salvation. The imagery of a secure door, implicitly involving bolts, conveys the assurance of eternal security for those who enter through Christ.

Theological Significance

In a theological context, bolts represent the security and protection that God provides for His people. They are a reminder of the strength and stability found in a relationship with God, who is depicted as a fortress and refuge throughout Scripture. Bolts, both literal and metaphorical, underscore the themes of divine protection, strength, and the assurance of God's promises to His covenant people.4514. manul -- a bolt
manul or manul. 4513, 4514. manul or manul. 4515 . a bolt. Transliteration:
manul or manul Phonetic Spelling: (man-ool') Short Definition: bolts. ...
/hebrew/4514.htm - 6k

965. bazaq -- a lightning flash
... lightning. Word Origin from an unused word Definition a lightning flash
NASB Word Usage bolts of lightning (1). flash of lightning. ...
/hebrew/965.htm - 5k

7565. resheph -- flame
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition flame NASB Word Usage bolts of lightning
(1), flaming (1), flashes (2), plague (2), sparks* (1). ...
/hebrew/7565.htm - 6k

And, Behold, Suddenly Hades Trembled, and the Gates of Death and ...
... Latin. Second Version. Chapter 8 (24). And, behold, suddenly Hades trembled,
and the gates of death and the bolts were shattered? ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 8 24 and behold.htm

It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature ...
... is as if a king were to proceed to a prison, and to go in and open the doors, undo
the fetters, break in pieces the chains, the bars, and the bolts, and bring ...
/.../17 it is with no.htm

The Meteor Shower (Preached at the Chapel Royal, St. James's, Nov. ...
... We were swept helpless, astronomers tell us, through a cloud of fiery stones, to
which all the cunning bolts which man invents to slay his fellow-man, are but ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xvi the meteor shower.htm

Of the Son of the Priest.
... he bethought him of what he had done he feared his father's return and besought
his Master Christ to nod approval of his deeds, [633] break the bolts, and open ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter x of the son of.htm

Delivered from Prison
... But the bolts and bars and the Roman guard, which effectually cut off all possibility
of human aid, were but to make more complete the triumph of God in the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 15 delivered from prison.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... While he was upon the earth the bolts of hatred would strike him instead of his
followers; but when he was gone and they represented him on the earth these ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

Samson Conquered
... midnight; so confident is he in his strength that he is in no hurry to depart, and
instead of assailing the guard, and making them draw the bolts, he wrenches ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/samson conquered.htm

A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... the granite of which it was formed, although black, was of metallic brightness;
and the dark and ponderous doors were secured with such terrible bolts that no ...
/.../chapter lix a detached account.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ...
... The gates of Jerusalem are shut; they receive the bolts too, that to that city it
may be said, "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, praise thy God, O Sion. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxx on the words.htm

Jewish Homes
... Crossing this moat, one would be at the city wall proper, and enter through a massive
gate, often covered with iron, and secured by strong bars and bolts. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

Bolts (14 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bolts (14 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 33:25 Iron and
brass shall be thy bolts; And thy rest as thy days. (DBY NIV). ...
/b/bolts.htm - 10k

Bolt (5 Occurrences)
... etc. 13. (vt) To fasten or secure with, or as with, a bolt or bolts, as
a door, a timber, fetters; to shackle; to restrain. 14. ...
/b/bolt.htm - 11k

Bars (50 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. ...
/b/bars.htm - 22k

Repaired (46 Occurrences)
... 3:6 The old gate repaired Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah;
they laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its bolts, and its bars. ...
/r/repaired.htm - 21k

Rebuilt (47 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. (See NIV). ...
/r/rebuilt.htm - 20k

Beams (28 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. ...
/b/beams.htm - 14k

Doors (149 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. ...
/d/doors.htm - 39k

Official (45 Occurrences)
... 3:14 The dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district
of Beth Haccherem; he built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars ...
/o/official.htm - 20k

Dung (27 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they
built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and one thousand ...
/d/dung.htm - 20k

District (59 Occurrences)
... 3:14 The dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district
of Beth Haccherem; he built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars ...
/d/district.htm - 24k

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What can we learn from the tribe of Asher? | GotQuestions.org

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