Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of a parade, as understood in contemporary terms, is not explicitly mentioned. However, the Bible does describe various processions and public displays that share similarities with modern parades. These events often held significant religious, cultural, or military importance.
Religious ProcessionsOne of the most notable processions in the Bible is the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. King David organized a grand procession to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. This event was marked by music, dancing, and celebration. In
2 Samuel 6:14-15 , it is recorded: "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpets." This procession was a public display of worship and reverence for God, highlighting the Ark's central role in Israel's spiritual life.
Military ProcessionsMilitary processions were also significant in biblical narratives. Victorious kings and armies would often return from battle in a triumphant procession. These events were occasions for celebrating military success and demonstrating power. In
1 Samuel 18:6-7 , after David's victory over Goliath, it is described: "As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing with tambourines, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.'"
Cultural and Civic ProcessionsThe Bible also records processions that were part of cultural or civic events. For example, in the book of Esther, Mordecai is honored with a public parade through the city streets. In
Esther 6:11 , it is written: "So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!'"
Symbolic ProcessionsSymbolic processions are also present in biblical prophecy and apocalyptic literature. In Revelation, the imagery of processions is used to convey spiritual truths and future events.
Revelation 19:11-16 describes a heavenly procession led by Christ: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses."
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention parades as understood today, it does describe various processions that served religious, military, cultural, and symbolic purposes. These events were significant in the life of ancient Israel and the early Christian church, reflecting the values and beliefs of the biblical world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The ground where a military display is held, or where troops are drilled.
2. (n.) An assembly and orderly arrangement or display of troops, in full equipments, for inspection or evolutions before some superior officer; a review of troops. Parades are general, regimental, or private (troop, battery, or company), according to the force assembled.
3. (v. t.) Pompous show; formal display or exhibition.
4. (v. t.) That which is displayed; a show; a spectacle; an imposing procession; the movement of any body marshaled in military order; as, a parade of firemen.
5. (v. t.) Posture of defense; guard.
6. (n.) A public walk; a promenade.
7. (v. t.) To exhibit in a showy or ostentatious manner; to show off.
8. (v. t.) To assemble and form; to marshal; to cause to maneuver or march ceremoniously; as, to parade troops.
9. (v. i.) To make an exhibition or spectacle of one's self, as by walking in a public place.
10. (v. i.) To assemble in military order for evolutions and inspection; to form or march, as in review.
Library
Another Part of My Smoke' which You Frequently Laugh at is My...
... 31. Another part of my smoke' which you frequently laugh at is my pretence, as you
say, to know what I do not know, and theparade I make of great teachers to...
As Regards Our Reverend Friend Epiphanius, this is Strange...
... you. This is the garland of praise which he gives you toparade in.... you. This
is the garland of praise which he gives you toparade in....
Whether Humility Has to do with the Appetite?
... De Affectibus] assigns humility to outward show; for he says that humility is "the
habit of avoiding excessive expenditure andparade." Therefore it is not...
A Song of Deliverance
... Think of what a regiment of soldiers onparade does as each file passes in front
of the saluting point where the commanding officer is standing....
The visit to Media.
... value to the fine clothes and gay trappings with which his grandfather was disposed
to adorn him, and to all the other external marks ofparade and display...
Match-Making.
... When all is adorned with flowers and smiles, and the parlor becomes the theater
of conviviality andparade, even then hearts are oppressed with sorrow at the...
Crossing the Hellespont.
... Dejection of the army."Mode of enlistment."Condition of the soldiers."Privations
and hardships."Storm on Mount Ida."Abydos."Parade of the troops...
The Procession of Amen
... Now that the chief luminaries of the procession had passed, the rich and lofty departed
with a great show of indifference to the rest of theparade....
Concluding Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... The Salvationist at the Marble Arch may be bigoted, but he is not too bigoted to
yearn from a common human kinship after the dandy on churchparade....
Travel. A Personal Experience.
... streak of lightning.". Saturday evening, July 8th, witnessed the greatest
militaryparade in London for thirty years. The Prince...
Thesaurus
Parade (1 Occurrence)... 4. (vt) That which is displayed; a show; a spectacle; an imposing procession; the
movement of any body marshaled in military order; as, a
parade of firemen.
...Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To make bold and sweeping, fanciful, or wanton movements, by way of ornament,
parade, bravado, etc.; to play with fantastic and irregular motion....
Muster (9 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An assembling or review of troops, as forparade, verification of
numbers, inspection, exercise, or introduction into service....
Display (30 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To make an exhibition of; to set in view conspicuously or
ostentatiously; to exhibit for the sake of publicity; toparade....
Paraclete
Gift (148 Occurrences)
... The mode of presentation was with as muchparade as possible: the presents were
conveyed by the hands of servants (Judges 3:18), or still better, on the backs...
Dash (30 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) Energy in style or action; animation; spirit. 13. (n.) A vain show; a
blusteringparade; a flourish; as, to make or cut a great dash. 14....
Mart (2 Occurrences)
... of an employer with whom he might bargain for his services, usually by the day
(Matthew 20:1-16); (3) a place where the proud pretender couldparade in long...
Military (44 Occurrences)
... Of or pertaining to soldiers, to arms, or to war; belonging to, engaged in, or
appropriate to, the affairs Of war; as, a militaryparade; military discipline...
Marketplace (8 Occurrences)
... of an employer with whom he might bargain for his services, usually by the day
(Matthew 20:1-16); (3) a place where the proud pretender couldparade in long...
Resources
What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day? | GotQuestions.orgIf the Bible teaches gender equality, why has gender inequality always been the norm? | GotQuestions.orgParade: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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