Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction and fastening of doors in houses were significant for both practical and symbolic reasons. Doors served as the primary means of access and security for a household, reflecting the cultural and spiritual values of the people.Materials and Construction: Doors in ancient Israelite homes were typically made from wood, a readily available material in the region. The wood was often reinforced with metal, such as bronze or iron, to enhance durability and security. The construction of doors varied depending on the wealth and status of the household, with more affluent homes featuring more elaborate and sturdy doors. Fastening Mechanisms: The fastening of doors was crucial for the protection of the inhabitants and their possessions. Several methods were employed to secure doors: 1. Bars and Bolts: The most common method of fastening doors was the use of bars and bolts. These were typically made of wood or metal and were placed across the door to prevent it from being opened from the outside. In Judges 16:3, we see an example of this when Samson "took hold of the doors of the city gate, along with the two gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all." 2. Locks and Keys: Locks and keys were also used, though they were less common due to their complexity and cost. The locks were often simple pin-and-tumbler mechanisms, and the keys were large and made of wood or metal. In Isaiah 22:22, the imagery of keys is used symbolically: "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." 3. Latches: Latches were another method of securing doors, often used in conjunction with bars or bolts. These were simpler mechanisms that could be easily operated from the inside. In Song of Solomon 5:5, the bride mentions, "I arose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh on the handles of the bolt." Symbolic Significance: Doors and their fastening mechanisms held symbolic significance in biblical literature. They represented protection, privacy, and the boundary between the sacred and the profane. In the Passover narrative (Exodus 12:7, 23), the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, signifying divine protection as the LORD passed over their homes. Cultural Context: The importance of securely fastened doors is also reflected in the cultural context of hospitality and community. A well-fastened door ensured the safety of guests and family members, allowing for the practice of hospitality without fear of intrusion. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor of a door to illustrate spiritual truths, as seen in John 10:9: "I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." In summary, the fastening of doors in biblical times was a practical necessity that also carried deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the values and beliefs of the people. The methods of securing doors, whether through bars, bolts, locks, or latches, were integral to the daily life and spiritual understanding of the ancient Israelites. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 13:18And she had a garment of divers colors on her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins appareled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 5:5 Luke 11:7 Library Delivered from Prison The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem. The Carrying of the Cross. Jewish Homes A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem. Overcoming Great Difficulties Mountains Round Mount Zion "Peace be unto You" The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The visitation Resources Is it wrong to live in nice houses (Haggai 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to worship the starry host or the host of the heavens (Zephaniah 1:5)? | 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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