In biblical times, thresholds held both practical and symbolic significance. A threshold is the sill of a doorway, marking the transition from one space to another. In the ancient Near Eastern context, thresholds were often seen as places of both physical and spiritual transition, and they appear in various biblical narratives and laws.

Biblical References

1. Judges 19:27 · In the tragic account of the Levite and his concubine, the threshold is mentioned as the place where the concubine collapses after a night of abuse. "In the morning, when her master got up and opened the doors of the house, he stepped out to continue on his way, there lay his concubine, fallen in the doorway of the house with her hands on the threshold."

2. 1 Samuel 5:4-5 · The threshold of Dagon's temple becomes significant in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark is placed in the temple of Dagon, the idol falls before it, and its head and hands are found on the threshold. "But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD. His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. That is why to this day, neither the priests of Dagon nor any who enter Dagon’s temple step on the threshold."

3. Ezekiel 9:3 · In Ezekiel's vision, the threshold of the temple is a place where the glory of God departs, signifying judgment and the removal of divine presence. "Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple."

4. Zephaniah 1:9 · The prophet Zephaniah speaks of judgment against those who leap over the threshold, indicating a disregard for sacred spaces and practices. "On that day I will punish all who leap over the threshold, who fill the house of their master with violence and deceit."

Symbolic Significance

Thresholds in the Bible often symbolize moments of decision, transition, and divine encounter. They can represent the boundary between the sacred and the profane, the holy and the common. In some instances, crossing a threshold signifies entering into a covenant or a new phase of life, as seen in the Passover narrative where the blood on the doorposts and lintel marked the threshold of protection for the Israelites (Exodus 12:7).

Cultural and Religious Practices

In ancient Israel, thresholds could be places of ritual significance. The act of anointing or marking a threshold could denote consecration or protection. The Passover, for instance, involved marking the threshold with lamb's blood as a sign for the angel of death to pass over the house.

The threshold also served as a place of hospitality and welcome. In the Middle Eastern tradition, the entrance to a home was a place where guests were greeted and where the host's protection was extended. This cultural practice is reflected in the biblical emphasis on hospitality and the sacred duty to protect those who enter one's home.

Theological Implications

Theologically, thresholds can be seen as places where God's presence is encountered and where human beings are called to respond to divine initiative. They are points of intersection between the divine and human realms, where decisions are made, and destinies are shaped. The crossing of a threshold can symbolize a step of faith, obedience, or judgment, as seen in various biblical narratives.

In summary, thresholds in the Bible are rich with meaning, serving as physical and symbolic markers of transition, divine encounter, and covenantal relationship. They remind believers of the importance of recognizing and respecting the boundaries between the sacred and the secular, and the call to live faithfully in the presence of God.Threshholds (3 Occurrences)

Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the threshholds of the gates.
(WBS)

Ezekiel 43:8
In their setting of their threshhold by my threshholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in my anger.
(WBS)

Zephaniah 2:14
And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the threshholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.
(WBS)

Threshholds (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Threshholds (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub ...
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Threshhold (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 43:8 In their setting of their threshhold by my threshholds, and their post
by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my ...
/t/threshhold.htm - 10k

Threshing (57 Occurrences)

/t/threshing.htm - 28k

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