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In biblical literature, the term "vaults" is often associated with the architectural and cosmological structures described in the Scriptures. The concept of vaults can be understood in both a literal and metaphorical sense, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the world and the divine order.

1. Cosmological Vaults:

The Bible frequently refers to the heavens as a "vault" or "firmament," illustrating the ancient perception of the sky as a solid dome-like structure. This is evident inGenesis 1:6-8 , where God creates the firmament to separate the waters above from the waters below: "And God said, 'Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.' So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so. God called the expanse 'sky.'"

This depiction aligns with the ancient cosmology that viewed the heavens as a vast, protective canopy over the earth, supported by pillars or mountains. The vault of heaven is often seen as the dwelling place of God, as suggested in passages likeIsaiah 40:22 : "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in."

2. Architectural Vaults:

In a more literal sense, vaults in the Bible can refer to architectural structures, such as those found in temples or palaces. These vaults were often used for storage or as treasuries. For example, in1 Chronicles 28:11-12 , David gives Solomon the plans for the temple, which include various chambers and treasuries: "Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, storerooms, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the mercy seat, as well as the plans for all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the house of the LORD—all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of the house of God, and the treasuries for the dedicated things."

These vaults were essential for the functioning of the temple, serving as secure places for storing valuable items and offerings dedicated to God.

3. Metaphorical and Symbolic Use:

Vaults can also be understood metaphorically in Scripture, representing the hidden or mysterious aspects of God's creation and wisdom. InJob 38:22 , God challenges Job with a series of questions about the mysteries of creation: "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or observed the storehouses of the hail?" Here, the "storehouses" or "vaults" symbolize the hidden reserves of God's power and the unknown aspects of His creation.

Additionally, vaults can symbolize the security and protection provided by God. InPsalm 31:20 , the psalmist declares, "You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues." This imagery of a protective vault underscores the safety and refuge found in God's presence.

4. Theological Implications:

The concept of vaults in the Bible reflects the order and structure inherent in God's creation. It emphasizes the separation between the divine and the earthly, the known and the unknown, and the sacred and the profane. The vaults of heaven declare the glory of God, as seen inPsalm 19:1 : "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

In summary, the biblical notion of vaults encompasses both the physical structures within sacred spaces and the grand, overarching canopy of the heavens. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the mystery of His creation, and the protection He offers to His people.

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... of art."The adornment of statues with jewelry, etc."Offerings and sacrifices by
individuals."Stores of ex-votos found in the favissae orvaults of temples...

The Martyr-Bishop, 1548-1560.
... He had seized sixteen heads of families for singing hymns at a baker's funeral,
had thrown them into the drain-vaults of the White Tower at Prague, and had...

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How...
... The city itself was called Cesarea, which was also itself built of fine materials,
and was of a fine structure; nay, the very subterraneanvaults and cellars...

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... Their ruins at the back and sides of the Ramesseum form a double row ofvaults,
extending from the foot of the hills to the border of the cultivated lands....

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The...
... our visit, it was most touching to see the tenderness and anxious care of his companion,
a young man called Fred, a labourer in the large winevaults at the...

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
... When war was common, property insecure, and safe depositvaults were scarce, it
was common for men to bury treasure in time of trouble and to forget it when...

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... castle. They conducted free schools for the children. They held meetings
for men and women in thevaults of the castle. They visited...

The Final Arrest
... had the apostle needed the ministrations of his brethren as now, enfeebled as he
was by age, toil, and infirmities, and confined in the damp, darkvaults of a...

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God...
... But if these greatvaults of the heavens cannot worthily sing God's praise, when
shall earth and ashes,' the smallest and least of things existing, be able to...

A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... on entering it, by comparing them to those of a person coming suddenly into the
interior of a church, after having been for some time in the burialvaults....

Vaults (3 Occurrences)
...Vaults (3 Occurrences).... Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeon and
into thevaults, and Jeremiah had remained there many days, (DBY)....

Vault (2 Occurrences)
... lodge in the secret places" (Isaiah 65:4, margin "vaults," the King James Version
"monuments") probably refers to the custom of sleeping in sacred tombs or...

Groin (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The projecting solid angle formed by the meeting of twovaults, growing
more obtuse as it approaches the summit. 5. (n.) The...

Vaunt (5 Occurrences)

Vaulted (6 Occurrences)

Triumph (52 Occurrences)
... of his triumph would be to the wretched captives the "savor," or intimation, of
a rapidly approaching death in the Roman arena or in the dampvaults of the...

Cellar (1 Occurrence)
... Etymologically the Greek word means "a covered place," and in classical Greek
its usage includesvaults and crypts as well as cellars....

Cabin
... kab'-in (chanuyyoth, "vaults"; Jeremiah 37:16 the Revised Version (British and
American), "cells"): In the East the prison often consisted of a pit (compare...

Cabins (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Only in Jeremiah 37:16 (RV, "cells"), archedvaults or
recesses off a passage or room; cells for the closer confinement of prisoners....

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