Topical Encyclopedia
The term "lengthwise" refers to the orientation or direction along the longest dimension of an object or space. In the context of the Bible, understanding the concept of lengthwise can be significant when considering the construction of sacred spaces, the arrangement of objects, or the description of visions and measurements.
Tabernacle and Temple ConstructionIn the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, the orientation and dimensions of the structure were divinely specified. The Tabernacle was a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, and its design was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle was to be set up lengthwise, with its entrance facing east (
Exodus 26:15-30). The lengthwise orientation of the Tabernacle was significant for the orderly arrangement of its components, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
Similarly, the construction of Solomon's Temple, as detailed in
1 Kings 6, followed specific dimensions and orientations. The Temple was built lengthwise, with the Holy of Holies situated at the western end, symbolizing the dwelling place of God's presence. The lengthwise arrangement of the Temple facilitated the orderly conduct of worship and sacrifices.
Visionary DescriptionsIn the prophetic visions of Ezekiel, the detailed measurements of a future temple are given.
Ezekiel 40-42 provides a comprehensive description of the temple's layout, including lengthwise measurements. The precision of these measurements underscores the importance of order and divine instruction in the worship of God.
Symbolic SignificanceThe lengthwise orientation in biblical structures often carries symbolic significance. It reflects the orderliness and intentionality of God's design. The eastward orientation of entrances, for example, may symbolize the coming of light and the presence of God, as the sun rises in the east. This orientation is seen in the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and even in the New Jerusalem described in
Revelation 21.
Biblical QuotationsWhile the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically use the term "lengthwise," the concept is implicit in the detailed descriptions of sacred spaces. For instance, in
Exodus 26:15-30, the instructions for the Tabernacle's construction include specific lengthwise dimensions: "You are to construct the frames for the tabernacle from acacia wood, standing upright. Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide."
In Ezekiel's vision, the lengthwise measurements are meticulously recorded: "He measured the length of the building facing the courtyard at the rear, with its galleries on each side, a hundred cubits" (
Ezekiel 41:12).
ConclusionThe concept of lengthwise in the Bible is integral to understanding the divine order and structure of sacred spaces. It reflects the meticulous care with which God instructed His people to construct places of worship, ensuring that every detail aligned with His holy purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In the direction of the length; in a longitudinal direction.
Library
V. ...
... For God sees not timelengthwise but obliquely, just as when you look at right-angles
to a long tree which lies before you, you can fix in your view both place...
Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... From the door a broad alley (commonly but improperly called an aisle),
runninglengthwise of the building, leads to the chancel....
Notes on Secular and Church History During the Latter Part of the...
... in situ a magnificent sarcophagus nearly four and a half feet in length, three in
width, and nearly two in height, without the covering, placedlengthwise....
Letter iii. To Candidianus.
... The strip of leather on which the communication was to be made is said to have been
rolled slantwise round it, and the message was then writtenlengthwise....
A Look Ahead
... That is the picture of a weaver's loom, with the warp threads runninglengthwise,
the shuttle threads running crosswise, and the cross beam (or batten) driving...
The Tomb of the Pharaoh
... his temples. Thereafter he sought,lengthwise and crosswise, calling on
the gods for aid, but there was no glint of the jewel. At...
A Brief Examination of the Construction of Our Bodies from a...
... it, not to inhale air, but to receive its appropriate food: for the entrances for
breath and food are near one another, extendinglengthwise one alongside the...
Striking Similes
... Consecration that like a golden thread runs through the warp and woof of one's
life [warp =lengthwise threads] [woof = crosswise threads]....
Significant Phrases
... wanton and unnecessary. war and revelry. warp and woof [warp =lengthwise threads]
[woof = crosswise threads]. wasteful and circuitous. waxing and waning....
The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... and a loin-cloth tied tightly round the hips and descending halfway down the thigh,
to which is applied a piece of stuff kiltedlengthwise, projecting in front...
Thesaurus
Lengthwise (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In the direction of the length; in a longitudinal
direction. Multi-Version Concordance
Lengthwise (1 Occurrence).
...Lengthy (4 Occurrences)
Lengths (2 Occurrences)
Warp (9 Occurrences)
... warp on a warp beam. 15. (n.) The threads which are extendedlengthwise
in the loom, and crossed by the woof. 16. (n.) A rope used...
Fish (66 Occurrences)
... mast, etc.), or unite end to end (two timbers, railroad rails, etc.) by bolting
a plank, timber, or plate to the beam, mast, or timbers,lengthwise on one or...
Rip (3 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To saw (wood)lengthwise of the grain or fiber. 6. (n.) A rent made by ripping,
esp. by a seam giving way; a tear; a place torn; laceration....
End (3706 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The extreme or last point or part of any material thing consideredlengthwise
(the extremity of breadth being side); hence, extremity, in general; the...
Cud (9 Occurrences)
... or if not forked they are clear of splinters, notched with scales and round, and
that certain portions of the meat of clean animals tearlengthwise as well as...
Chew (5 Occurrences)
... or if not forked they are clear of splinters, notched with scales and round, and
that certain portions of the meat of clean animals tearlengthwise as well as...
Compressed (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Compress. 2. (a.) Pressed together; compacted; reduced in volume
by pressure. 3. (a.) Flattenedlengthwise. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources
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