Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, bolts were essential components of doors and gates, serving as mechanisms for security and protection. The term "bolt" in the Bible often refers to a bar or rod used to fasten doors, ensuring that they remain closed against intruders or adverse elements. The concept of bolts is both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing strength, security, and divine protection.
Old Testament References1.
Physical Security: Bolts are mentioned in the context of fortifying cities and homes. In
Judges 16:3, Samson famously removes the doors of the city gate of Gaza, along with the two gateposts and the bar, demonstrating his God-given strength. This act underscores the importance of bolts in securing city gates against enemies.
2.
Divine Protection: In
Deuteronomy 33:25, Moses blesses the tribe of Asher, saying, "May the bolts of your gates be iron and bronze, and your strength match your days." Here, bolts symbolize enduring strength and divine protection, suggesting that God Himself fortifies the boundaries of His people.
3.
Symbol of Strength: In
1 Kings 4:13, the term "bolts" is used in the context of Solomon's reign, where the fortified cities are equipped with strong defenses. This reflects the prosperity and security of Israel under Solomon's rule, with bolts representing the strength and stability of his kingdom.
Metaphorical Usage1.
Spiritual Security: Bolts are also used metaphorically to describe spiritual security and the steadfastness of God's promises. In
Isaiah 45:2, God declares, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." This passage illustrates God's power to overcome obstacles and provide protection for His people.
2.
Divine Judgment: In
Lamentations 2:9, the prophet Jeremiah laments the destruction of Jerusalem, stating, "Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has broken and destroyed her bars." Here, the breaking of bolts signifies divine judgment and the removal of protection due to the people's disobedience.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not explicitly mention bolts, the concept of security and protection is prevalent. Jesus refers to Himself as the "door" in
John 10:9, emphasizing that through Him, believers find safety and salvation. The imagery of a secure door, implicitly involving bolts, conveys the assurance of eternal security for those who enter through Christ.
Theological SignificanceIn a theological context, bolts represent the security and protection that God provides for His people. They are a reminder of the strength and stability found in a relationship with God, who is depicted as a fortress and refuge throughout Scripture. Bolts, both literal and metaphorical, underscore the themes of divine protection, strength, and the assurance of God's promises to His covenant people.
Strong's Hebrew
4514. manul -- a boltmanul or manul. 4513, 4514. manul or manul. 4515 . a bolt. Transliteration:
manul or manul Phonetic Spelling: (man-ool') Short Definition:
bolts.
...965. bazaq -- a lightning flash
... lightning. Word Origin from an unused word Definition a lightning flash
NASB Word Usagebolts of lightning (1). flash of lightning....
7565. resheph -- flame
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition flame NASB Word Usagebolts of lightning
(1), flaming (1), flashes (2), plague (2), sparks* (1)....
Library
And, Behold, Suddenly Hades Trembled, and the Gates of Death and...
... Latin. Second Version. Chapter 8 (24). And, behold, suddenly Hades trembled,
and the gates of death and thebolts were shattered?...
It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature...
... is as if a king were to proceed to a prison, and to go in and open the doors, undo
the fetters, break in pieces the chains, the bars, and thebolts, and bring...
The Meteor Shower (Preached at the Chapel Royal, St. James's, Nov....
... We were swept helpless, astronomers tell us, through a cloud of fiery stones, to
which all the cunningbolts which man invents to slay his fellow-man, are but...
Of the Son of the Priest.
... he bethought him of what he had done he feared his father's return and besought
his Master Christ to nod approval of his deeds, [633] break thebolts, and open...
Delivered from Prison
... But thebolts and bars and the Roman guard, which effectually cut off all possibility
of human aid, were but to make more complete the triumph of God in the...
The Holy Spirit and the World.
... While he was upon the earth thebolts of hatred would strike him instead of his
followers; but when he was gone and they represented him on the earth these...
Samson Conquered
... midnight; so confident is he in his strength that he is in no hurry to depart, and
instead of assailing the guard, and making them draw thebolts, he wrenches...
A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... the granite of which it was formed, although black, was of metallic brightness;
and the dark and ponderous doors were secured with such terriblebolts that no...
On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the...
... The gates of Jerusalem are shut; they receive thebolts too, that to that city it
may be said, "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, praise thy God, O Sion....
Jewish Homes
... Crossing this moat, one would be at the city wall proper, and enter through a massive
gate, often covered with iron, and secured by strong bars andbolts....
Thesaurus
Bolts (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bolts (14 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 33:25 Iron and
brass shall be thy
bolts; And thy rest as thy days. (DBY NIV).
...Bolt (5 Occurrences)
... etc. 13. (vt) To fasten or secure with, or as with, a bolt orbolts, as
a door, a timber, fetters; to shackle; to restrain. 14....
Bars (50 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars....
Repaired (46 Occurrences)
... 3:6 The old gate repaired Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah;
they laid its beams, and set up its doors, and itsbolts, and its bars....
Rebuilt (47 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars. (See NIV)....
Beams (28 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars....
Doors (149 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:3 The fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid
its beams, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars....
Official (45 Occurrences)
... 3:14 The dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district
of Beth Haccherem; he built it, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars...
Dung (27 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they
built it, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars, and one thousand...
District (59 Occurrences)
... 3:14 The dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district
of Beth Haccherem; he built it, and set up its doors, itsbolts, and its bars...
Resources
What is God like? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Asher in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Asher? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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Topical Bible •
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