Topical Encyclopedia
A casement, in biblical terms, refers to a window or an opening in a wall, often equipped with a frame that can be opened or closed. The term is used in various translations of the Bible to describe architectural features in ancient structures, particularly in the context of homes and palaces.
Biblical References:1.
2 Kings 9:30 : "Now when Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it, and she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out the window." In this passage, the term "window" is often understood to mean a casement, suggesting a framed opening through which Jezebel looked out. This scene is significant as it precedes her dramatic confrontation with Jehu, highlighting the casement as a vantage point for observing and interacting with the outside world.
2.
Proverbs 7:6 : "For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice." Here, the window or casement serves as a metaphorical and literal point of observation. The latticework mentioned implies a structured opening that allows for visibility while maintaining a degree of privacy and protection.
3.
Song of Solomon 2:9 : "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice." The imagery of the beloved peering through the casement conveys a sense of longing and anticipation, using the architectural feature to enhance the poetic and romantic elements of the text.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israelite architecture, casements were practical features that allowed light and air into homes while providing a means of viewing the outside environment. They were often constructed with wooden frames and could be covered with latticework or shutters. The design of casements varied depending on the wealth and status of the homeowner, with more elaborate designs found in palaces and homes of the affluent.
Casements also held symbolic significance in biblical literature. They were often associated with moments of revelation, confrontation, or intimacy, as seen in the accounts of Jezebel and the Song of Solomon. The act of looking through a casement could imply a desire for connection or a moment of introspection.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, casements can be seen as symbols of the human soul's openness to divine revelation and interaction. Just as a casement allows light to enter a dark room, so too can the human heart be opened to receive spiritual enlightenment and truth. The biblical use of casements as points of observation and interaction underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in the spiritual life.
In summary, the concept of a casement in the Bible serves both practical and symbolic purposes, illustrating the intersection of the physical and spiritual realms. Through these architectural features, biblical narratives convey themes of observation, revelation, and the human longing for connection with the divine.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A barrier of open-work placed before windows (
Proverbs 7:6). In
Judges 5:28 the Hebrew word is rendered "lattice," in the LXX. "network," an opening through which cool air is admitted.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A window sash opening on hinges affixed to the upright side of the frame into which it is fitted. (Poetically) A window.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CASEMENTkas'-ment.
SeeHOUSE.
Strong's Hebrew
822. eshnab -- a window lattice...casement, lattice. Apparently from an unused root (probably meaning to leave
interstices); A latticed window --
casement, lattice. 821, 822. eshnab. 823 .
...Library
The Sin of Unbelief
... in the teeth of all these credentials of the prophet's mission, he yet doubted,
and insultingly told him that heaven must become an opencasement, ere the...
The Idols Crumble
... Gnats wove their mazes in the narrowcasement that opened on the outside world,
and now and then the twitter of birds sounded very close to it....
A True Story
... For tender hearts had both Jack and Will,. And they sat and looked at thecasement
lone,. Till the stars shone bright, and the day was gone....
The Mat
... Then the Lord said, "I am with thee; Trust thyself to Me; Open thou thy littlecasement,.
Mark what thou shalt see.". Then a piteous look and wistful....
The Spirit of Power
... strong, young hand, and having thus either in symbol or reality"never mind
which"communicated power, he says to him, 'Fling open thecasement towards the...
June the Twenty-Eighth the Waiting Light
... And the Light is "a gracious, willing guest." No fuss is needed, no shouting
is required. Open thycasement, and the gracious guest is in!...
Preaching in a North Wind
... I preached at noon in their large new chapel, which (in consideration that
preaching-houses have need of air) has acasement in every window, three inches...
Preaching by Moonlight
... In the morning I found thecasement wide open; but I was never the worse.
I took horse at six, with William Crane and Francis Walker....
Prayer at Sea.
... 1 Prayer may be sweet in cottage homes, Where sire and child devoutly kneel, While
through the opencasement nigh The vernal blossoms fragrant steal....
The Empty Throne Filled
... and merciful hand shivers the painted glass into fragments, because it has been
dimming 'the white radiance of Eternity.' And though thecasement may look gaunt...
Thesaurus
Casement (1 Occurrence)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
CASEMENT. kas'-ment.
...Casement (1 Occurrence). Proverbs
7:6 For at the window of my house I looked through my
casement, (KJV WBS YLT)
...Cases (16 Occurrences)
Window (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The shutter,casement, sash with its fittings, or other framework, which
closes a window opening. 3. (n.) A figure formed of lines crossing each other....
Case (138 Occurrences)
House (20110 Occurrences)
... Genesis 8:6), the references in Genesis 26:8 Joshua 2:15, and the window from which
Jezebel looked (2 Kings 9:30), were presumably of thecasement class....
Resources
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