Topical Encyclopedia
The term "two-leaved" is primarily associated with the description of doors in biblical architecture, particularly in the context of the temple and other significant structures. The concept of a "two-leaved" door refers to a door that is composed of two panels or leaves, which can be opened or closed together. This design is both practical and symbolic, often representing strength, security, and the grandeur of the structure it serves.
Biblical References:The most notable reference to "two-leaved" doors is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet speaks of God's promise to Cyrus, the Persian king. In
Isaiah 45:1 , it is written: "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him so that the gates will not be shut." While the term "two-leaved" is not explicitly used in this verse, the imagery of doors and gates being opened is consistent with the concept of two-leaved doors, which would swing open to allow passage.
Symbolism and Significance:In biblical times, doors were not merely functional elements but also carried deep symbolic meanings. A two-leaved door, with its dual panels, could symbolize the dual nature of divine intervention—both protection and provision. The opening of such doors by God, as mentioned in Isaiah, signifies the removal of obstacles and the granting of access to new opportunities and blessings.
The design of two-leaved doors also reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail in ancient construction, particularly in sacred spaces. These doors were often made of durable materials like wood or metal and could be adorned with intricate carvings or overlaid with gold, as seen in the descriptions of Solomon's Temple.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, city gates and temple doors were critical for defense and ceremonial purposes. Two-leaved doors were common in these settings, providing both security and a grand entrance for processions and worship. The ability to open both leaves of a door simultaneously allowed for the passage of large groups or important figures, underscoring the significance of the event or person entering.
The use of two-leaved doors in biblical narratives often highlights moments of divine intervention or fulfillment of prophecy. For instance, the opening of doors for Cyrus symbolizes God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine plan.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the imagery of two-leaved doors can be seen as a metaphor for the openness and accessibility of God's kingdom. Just as these doors can be opened wide to welcome those who enter, so too is the invitation to enter into a relationship with God through faith. The opening of doors by divine command serves as a reminder of God's power to make a way where there seems to be none, offering hope and assurance to believers.
In summary, the concept of "two-leaved" doors in the Bible is rich with meaning, reflecting both the physical realities of ancient architecture and the spiritual truths of God's providence and sovereignty.
Strong's Hebrew
1817. deleth -- a door... door
two-
leaved, gate, leaf, lid. From dalah; something swinging, ie The valve of
a door -- door (
two-
leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (In Psa. 141:3, dal, irreg.).
...Library
Marvellous Increase of the Church
... When his people of old were in Babylon, could "thetwo-leaved gates" bar them
in? Could Cyrus, with all his armies, have kept them prisoners?...
The Return of the Exiles
... to open before him thetwo-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will
go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces...
Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... to every beast and winged fowl"for all these may be said to come out of the earth;
he it is who sent the Incarnate God to open thetwo-leaved gates, and cut...
Spiritual Appetite
... from your heart as all your confidence, and you have learned a magic word which
will scatter troops of opposing foes, and will open thetwo-leaved gates, and...
The Holy Ghost --The Great Teacher
... It is the Spirit's work to unbar thetwo leaved gates, and bring us into a truth,
so that we may get inside it, and, as dear old Rowland Hill said, "Not only...
Appendix.
... the world would be unrecognizable. He who holds the keys of thetwo-leaved gates
has been unlocking them, opening up all lands to the Messenger of the Cross....
Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... whom I hold fast by his right hand, That I may subdue nations under him, And loose
the loins of kings; That I may open before him thetwo-leaved doors, And the...
The Servant of the Lord.
... whom I hold fast by his right hand, That I may subdue nations under him, And loose
the loins of kings; That I may open before him thetwo-leaved doors, And the...
The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the...
... Who was He really? Had they but known of the Talyetha Qum,' and how these two
words had burst open thetwo-leaved doors of death and Hades!...
Holy Song from Happy Saints
... Our hearts are ready to cry out, "Open, yetwo-leaved gates, and let my spirit
pass through, that I may give to my well-beloved a song."....
Thesaurus
Two-leaved (6 Occurrences)Two-
leaved. Two-hundred,
Two-
leaved. Twos . Multi-Version Concordance
Two-
leaved (6 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 3:5 All
...Two-hundred (1 Occurrence)
Two-hundred. Two-horned, Two-hundred.Two-leaved . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WEB). Two-horned, Two-hundred.Two-leaved . Reference Bible.
Twos (7 Occurrences)
Door (249 Occurrences)
... by the stone threshold (1 Kings 14:17), the two doorposts on either side, and the
lintel above (Exodus 12:7). Doors were frequentlytwo-leaved, and folding...
Shiver (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 45:2 I go before thee, and crooked places make straight,Two-leaved doors
of brass I shiver, And bars of iron I cut asunder, (YLT)....
Shutteth (17 Occurrences)
... out my prayer. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Malachi 1:10 Who 'is' even among
you, And he shutteth thetwo-leaved doors? Yea, ye do not...
Confidently (32 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 49:31 Rise ye, go up unto a nation at rest, Dwelling confidently, an
affirmation of Jehovah, It hath notwo-leaved doors nor bar, Alone they do dwell....
Villages (106 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 3:5 All these 'are' cities fenced with high walls,two-leaved doors
and bar, apart from cities of villages very many; (YLT RSV NIV)....
Defence (48 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Chronicles 8:5 And he buildeth Beth-Horon the upper, and Beth-Horon the
lower -- cities of defence, with walls,two-leaved doors, and bar -- (YLT)....
Compass (51 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 14:7 And he saith to Judah, 'Let us build these cities, and compass
'them' with wall, and towers,two-leaved doors, and bars, while the land 'is...
Resources
Who are the two witnesses in the book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Two by Twos and the Cooneyites, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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