Topical Encyclopedia In ancient times, the construction and furnishing of houses often involved the use of nails to fasten various items to the walls. This practice is alluded to in several passages of the Bible, reflecting the cultural and practical aspects of daily life in biblical times.The use of nails in construction is mentioned in the context of the tabernacle and temple, where precision and permanence were essential. In Isaiah 22:23, the prophet speaks metaphorically of a "nail in a firm place," symbolizing stability and reliability: "I will drive him like a peg into a firm place, and he will become a throne of glory for the house of his father" . This imagery suggests the importance of secure fastening, both physically in construction and metaphorically in leadership and responsibility. The custom of fastening nails in walls is also reflected in the broader biblical narrative, where homes were not only places of dwelling but also centers of family and community life. The stability provided by securely fastened nails can be seen as a metaphor for the security and permanence desired in family and community relationships. Ezra 9:8 provides another metaphorical use of the concept: "But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in His sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and relief in our bondage" . Here, the "firm place" can be understood as a secure position, much like a nail driven into a wall, providing a sense of safety and continuity for the people of Israel. In the New Testament, the imagery of nails and secure fastening is less prevalent but can be inferred in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, where the emphasis on building one's life on a firm foundation echoes the need for stability and security, akin to the physical act of fastening nails in construction. The custom of fastening nails in walls, therefore, serves as a rich metaphor throughout the Bible, illustrating themes of stability, security, and permanence, both in the physical realm of house construction and in the spiritual realm of faith and community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 12:11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 22:23 Library The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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