In the biblical context, the concept of "locking" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, often symbolizing security, protection, and the safeguarding of what is valuable. The act of locking is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, reflecting its significance in ancient times as well as its spiritual implications.

Literal Locking

1. Security and Protection: In ancient times, locking doors was a practical measure for ensuring safety and security. In the Book of Judges, we see an example of this when Eglon, the king of Moab, is described as sitting alone in his cool upper room, with the doors locked for privacy and protection (Judges 3:23-25). This illustrates the use of locks as a means to control access and maintain security.

2. Prison and Confinement: Locks were also used in the context of imprisonment. In Acts 5:18, the apostles were put in the public jail, which would have been secured with locks to prevent escape. This highlights the use of locking mechanisms as a means of confinement and control.

Metaphorical Locking

1. Spiritual Security: Metaphorically, locking can represent the security of one's spiritual life. In Revelation 3:7, Jesus is described as having the "key of David," who "opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens." This passage emphasizes Christ's authority and the security He provides to those who are faithful.

2. Guarding the Heart: Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." While not explicitly mentioning locks, the concept of guarding one's heart can be likened to locking it against harmful influences, ensuring that one's spiritual life remains pure and protected.

3. Access to the Kingdom: The metaphor of locking is also used in the context of access to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This passage suggests the authority to permit or restrict access, akin to locking and unlocking.

Symbolism of Locks

Locks in the Bible often symbolize authority and control. The ability to lock or unlock signifies power over access and exclusion. This is evident in the spiritual authority given to the apostles and the church, as seen in the aforementioned passage from Matthew.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, locks were typically made of wood or metal and were used to secure doors, gates, and chests. The technology of locks was relatively simple compared to modern standards, but they served the essential purpose of protecting property and ensuring privacy.

Conclusion

The concept of locking in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of security, both in the material world and in one's spiritual life. Through the metaphor of locking, Scripture conveys themes of protection, authority, and the safeguarding of what is precious.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lock.4920. suniemi -- to set together, fig. to understand
... perceive. 4920 (from 4862 , "together " and , "put, send") -- properly, ,
ie join facts (ideas) into a (inter-locking) whole; . 4920 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4920.htm - 8k

The Disciple, -- Master, what are Heaven and Hell...
... go abroad. And this locking up of goods must go on as long as men's hearts
are locked against their Lord and Maker. When, however ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 6.htm

Home-Sympathy.
... It is, therefore, the law of oneness in the family, weaving together, like warp
and woof, the existence of the members, and locking each heart into one great ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiv home-sympathy.htm

The Prey of the Terrible
... So now there is another key turned, locking him into Hinduism. In the Village
of the Wind a young girl became known as an inquirer. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter v the prey of.htm

While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican...
... Locking both doors of her studio, she began to arrange the room; her huge canvas
was already on a movable easel supplied with wheels, which ran lightly and ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxix while the foregoing scene.htm

God Calling Yet.
... God calling yet!"loud at my door is knocking,. And I my heart, my ear, still firmer
locking: He still is ready, willing to receive me,. Is waiting now, but ah! ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/god calling yet.htm

Then in this Great Contention of My Inward Dwelling...
... other way hindered. Thus, if I tore my hair, beat my forehead, if locking
my fingers I clasped my knee; I willed, I did it. But I ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter viii then in this.htm

To Stefano Maconi
... be friend or foe: so that the watch may let friends enter, ordering good and holy
inspirations to do their work, and may drive away the foes, locking the Gate ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to stefano maconi.htm

The Strait Gate
... a wedding feast. Here it is a householder already in his house, and, at
the close of the day, locking up for the night. Some of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the strait gate.htm

God's Scrutiny Longed For
... There is a deeper gladness in pouring out our hearts to our loving Lord than in
locking them in sullen silence, with the vain conceit that we thereby hide ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/gods scrutiny longed for.htm

The Olivet Message.
... You"you shall have power." For every subtle, strong temptation, for every cry of
need, for every low moan of disappointment, for every locking of the jaws in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

Locking (2 Occurrences)
...Locking (2 Occurrences). Judges 3:23 Then Ehud went out into the covered way, shutting
the doors of the summer-house on him and locking them. (BBE). ...
/l/locking.htm - 7k

Locked (19 Occurrences)
... king's virgin daughters were dressed in. Then the servant put her out,
locking the door after her. (See NAS). Nehemiah 7:3 And I ...
/l/locked.htm - 11k

Locks (29 Occurrences)

/l/locks.htm - 18k

Fence (12 Occurrences)
... straying from within. 3. (n.) A projection on the bolt, which passes through
the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking. 4. (n.) Self ...
/f/fence.htm - 15k

Summer-house (4 Occurrences)
... And he got up from his seat. (BBE). Judges 3:23 Then Ehud went out into the covered
way, shutting the doors of the summer-house on him and locking them. (BBE). ...
/s/summer-house.htm - 8k

Shutting (43 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 3:23 Then Ehud went out into the covered way, shutting the
doors of the summer-house on him and locking them. (BBE). ...
/s/shutting.htm - 19k

Key (8 Occurrences)
... 9:1; Revelation 20:1). our Lord accused the teachers of the law of His day of taking
away "the key of knowledge" from men, that is, locking the doors of truth ...
/k/key.htm - 14k

Covered (325 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS NIV). Judges 3:23 Then Ehud went out into the covered
way, shutting the doors of the summer-house on him and locking them. (BBE). ...
/c/covered.htm - 37k

Past (200 Occurrences)
... king's virgin daughters were dressed in. Then the servant put her out,
locking the door after her. (BBE). 2 Samuel 15:18 And all ...
/p/past.htm - 37k

What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)? | GotQuestions.org

Locking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus