Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "yard" as understood in modern terms may not have been explicitly mentioned, but similar spaces and measurements are referenced throughout the Scriptures. The term "yard" typically refers to an enclosed area of land adjacent to a building, often used for various domestic or agricultural purposes. In the context of the Bible, such spaces were integral to daily life and community activities.Courtyards and Enclosures The Bible frequently mentions courtyards, which served as functional spaces for families and communities. For instance, the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem had specific courtyard areas. In Exodus 27:9, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle's courtyard: "You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and have curtains of finely spun linen." These courtyards were significant for worship and gathering, reflecting the importance of designated spaces for communal and religious activities. Domestic Yards In ancient Israelite homes, yards or courtyards were common features. These spaces were often used for cooking, socializing, and performing daily chores. The yard provided a semi-private area where families could engage in various activities away from the public eye. In 2 Samuel 11:2, we see an example of a domestic courtyard: "One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman." This passage suggests that the courtyard was a place of privacy, as Bathsheba was bathing in a space not visible from the street. Agricultural Use Yards in biblical times also had agricultural purposes. They were used for storing produce, housing livestock, and processing food. The parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21:33 mentions a vineyard with a winepress and a watchtower, indicating an enclosed area used for agricultural production: "There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower." Symbolic Significance Yards and enclosed spaces in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They can represent safety, provision, and community. The courtyard of the Tabernacle, for example, was a place where the Israelites could come together to worship and offer sacrifices, symbolizing their covenant relationship with God. In a broader sense, the concept of an enclosed space can symbolize the protection and care that God provides for His people. Cultural Context Understanding the role of yards and courtyards in biblical times requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context. These spaces were essential for the daily life of ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as places for work, rest, and worship. The design and use of these areas reflect the values and priorities of the people, emphasizing community, family, and faith. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "yard" as it is understood today, the concept is present in the form of courtyards and enclosed spaces that played a vital role in the religious, domestic, and agricultural life of biblical communities. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A rod; a stick; a staff.2. (n.) A branch; a twig. 3. (n.) A long piece of timber, as a rafter, etc. 4. (n.) A measure of length, equaling three feet, or thirty-six inches, being the standard of English and American measure. 5. (n.) The penis. 6. (n.) A long piece of timber, nearly cylindrical, tapering toward the ends, and designed to support and extend a square sail. A yard is usually hung by the center to the mast. See Illust. of Ship. 7. (n.) An enclosure; usually, a small enclosed place in front of, or around, a house or barn; as, a courtyard; a cowyard; a barnyard. 8. (n.) An enclosure within which any work or business is carried on; as, a dockyard; a shipyard. 9. (v. t.) To confine (cattle) to the yard; to shut up, or keep, in a yard; as, to yard cows. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia OLIVE YARDol'-iv yard. Greek 833. aule -- a courtyard, a court ... a courtyard, a court. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aule Phonetic Spelling: (ow-lay') Short Definition: court-yard, fore-court, palace, house ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/833.htm - 7k 1638. elaion -- an olive orchard, ie spec. the Mt. of Olives Strong's Hebrew 2691. chatser -- enclosure, court... court, tower, village (masculine and feminine); from chatsar in its original sense; a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded ... /hebrew/2691.htm - 5k 2132. zayith -- olive tree, olive 2696. Chetsron -- two Israelites, also two places in Judah Library Preaching in the Inn Yard Index. When Diamond Got Round the Corner of the Hay... The Old Gravestone A Few Nights after This, Diamond Woke up Suddenly... The Groups Round the Cross He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In... The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep... Wesley on Holy Island Preaching in a Loft Thesaurus Yard (8 Occurrences)... A yard is usually hung by the center to the mast. See Illust. ... 9. (vt) To confine (cattle) to the yard; to shut up, or keep, in a yard; as, to yard cows. Int. ... /y/yard.htm - 10k Yard-sticks (1 Occurrence) Olive-yard (2 Occurrences) Mete-yard (1 Occurrence) Meteyard (1 Occurrence) Vineyard (69 Occurrences) Lift (283 Occurrences) Foot (193 Occurrences) Earing (2 Occurrences) Brace (3 Occurrences) Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian woman wear a bikini? | GotQuestions.org Why won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.org Yard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Yard (8 Occurrences)Acts 7:5 Ezekiel 41:12 Ezekiel 41:13 Ezekiel 41:14 Ezekiel 41:15 Ezekiel 42:1 Ezekiel 42:10 Ezekiel 42:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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