When it comes to numbers in the Bible, It’s quite possible that 666 is the most famous and infamous of the numbers. People who know little else about the Bible know that
Continue reading BIBLE SIGNS & SYMBOLS (SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX)
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BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (STONE/ROCK) SEE ALSO CORNERSTONE
In the ancient world, before the explosives and powerful tools we have today, rocks were impervious, seemingly eternal, and solid. In times of danger, a cliff formed a secure foundation or a safe hiding place, as David found when he was a fugitive being chased
Continue reading BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (STONE/ROCK) SEE ALSO CORNERSTONE
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF THE BIBLE (DONKEY)
Donkeys were a familiar sight in Bible times. In Old Testament times, before horses became used more regularly, riding a donkey or mule was a common form of transportation, even for royalty (2 Sam 13:29; 1 Kings 1:38). When laws were spelled out by God concerning the treatment of animals, donkeys were specifically mentioned in those instructions. Donkeys are included in the last of the Ten Commandments among the examples of a neighbor’s property that should not be coveted: “Never desire to take
BIBLE SIGNS & SYMBOLS (ARM)
Aside from its physical definition, arm is used in Scripture as a symbol of power in action–either divine or human. The context will of course determine whether the word is meant literally or figuratively, and whether its figurative sense is power used for good or for evil.
BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (SWORD)
One of the earliest of iron in making swords. The sword was the primary weapon of warfare throughout the ancient world. As such, it became the primary symbol of warfare in general. The Israelites “put [cities] to the sword” (Deu 13:14 NIV) and “smote [them with the edge of the sword” (Num 21:24 KJV). The defeated enemy was “cut . . . down with
BIBLE SIGNS & SYMBOLS (THRONE)
In the ancient world thrones served the same purpose they serve today: they were the elevated, often ornate seats upon which a person of authority-usually a king-would sit to rule and utter judgments. Thrones served as the symbol for the monarchy itself (Gen 41:40 NIV; 2 Sam 3:10; 1 Kings 1:46). The only throne with a detailed description in the Bible is Solomon’s throne (2 Chron 9:17-19; 1 Kings 10:18-20), a carved chair made of ivory overlaid with gold and situated on a platform six steps up from the ground. On
BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (EDEN)
Thoughts about Eden make us look back and look forward. The beautiful garden where the first human beings were created is a symbol of a perfect beginning before sin shattered the creation. It was a protected place where God provided for every creature’s needs and had a face-to-face relationship with the man and woman, walking with them in the cool of the day. That Eden is gone. While the general location of the garden is indicated as the Tigris and Euphrates valley (along with two other water channels no longer functioning), all evidence of the paradise that was there has long been erased. The place exists, but the paradise is lost. What a fitting metaphor for the spiritual price we paid for the fall and the curse of sin. But a new heaven and new earth have been promised, an Eden-like place that will once again be the home of those who have been rescued from sin and given an eternal destiny with God.
BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (NINEVEH)
As a city symbolic of man’s power in rebellion against God, Nineveh ranks second only to Babylon. Yet it also stands out as an example of cultural repentance- the population of a large city recognizing the holiness of God and humbling themselves before him. Three of Israel’s prophets- Jonah, Nahum, and Zephaniah-had dealings with the city. Nineveh
BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (FEET)
When asked where feet appear in the Bible, most people are likely to point to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Following the principle that we usually go where our feet go, the most common symbolic use for feet in the Bible is to represent our lives. The psalmist repeatedly praised God because “he makes my feet like those of a deer and gives me sure footing on high places” (Ps. 18:33) and because he
BIBLE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (ARK)
The term ark in Scriptures has two main meanings: one is a large boat built by Noah, and the other is the ark of the covenant that was housed in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Both of these images encapsulate important spiritual truths related to salvation.