An awning, in the context of biblical times, refers to a covering or shelter made of fabric or other materials, used to provide shade and protection from the elements. While the term "awning" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of temporary shelters and coverings is present throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of the ancient Near Eastern culture and practices.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the arid climate of the Middle East, protection from the sun and heat was essential. Temporary shelters, akin to modern-day awnings, were commonly used to provide shade and relief. These structures were often made from woven materials, such as linen or goat hair, and were supported by poles or ropes. They were used in various settings, including marketplaces, homes, and during travel.

Tabernacle and Tent Imagery

The use of tents and coverings is a significant theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's presence and protection. The Tabernacle, described in the book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was constructed with layers of curtains and coverings, serving as a divine dwelling place. While not an awning in the modern sense, the Tabernacle's design reflects the importance of protective coverings in biblical times.

Exodus 26:1-14 provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the use of fine linen and goat hair curtains. These coverings were essential for shielding the sacred space from the harsh desert environment.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In ancient Israel, awnings and similar structures were also used in domestic settings. The roof of a house was often flat and served as an additional living space. Awnings or temporary coverings would be set up to provide shade, allowing families to utilize this area for various activities, including rest and social gatherings.

The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and beauty, contains imagery that may allude to the use of awnings or similar coverings. In Song of Solomon 1:5, the bride compares herself to the "tents of Kedar," which were known for their dark, protective coverings made from goat hair.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The concept of an awning, as a source of shade and protection, can be seen as a metaphor for God's care and provision. In Psalm 121:5-6 , the psalmist declares, "The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night." This passage highlights the protective nature of God, akin to the shelter provided by an awning.

Furthermore, the imagery of a covering or shelter is used to describe God's refuge and strength. In Isaiah 4:5-6 , the prophet speaks of a future time when "the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night, for over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain."

Conclusion

While the specific term "awning" does not appear in the biblical text, the concept of protective coverings is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel. These structures served practical purposes and carried rich symbolic meaning, illustrating themes of divine protection, presence, and provision throughout the Scriptures.1. (n.) A rooflike cover, usually of canvas, extended over or before any place as a shelter from the sun, rain, or wind.

2. (n.) That part of the poop deck which is continued forward beyond the bulkhead of the cabin.

2766. keramos -- a tile
... tiling. Probably from the base of kerannumi (through the idea of mixing clay and
water); earthenware, ie A tile (by analogy, a thin roof or awning) -- tiling. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2766.htm - 6k4374. mekasseh -- a covering
... Word Origin from kasah Definition a covering NASB Word Usage attire (1), awning
(1), covering (2). clothing, to cover, that which covers. ...
/hebrew/4374.htm - 6k

Monos
... or rather were rowed by four stalwart , along the northern shore of the gulf,
while the sun leapt up straight astern, and made the awning, or rather the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
... [Some have thought that removing the roof merely means that they took away the awning
over the court, and also that the removal of the tile merely means that ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxv jesus heals a paralytic.htm

Visit to Ceylon and Return to Benares.
... From morning to night we sat under a thick awning, reading or talking, as we were
inclined, refreshed by the breeze, and interested in the various objects ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xviii visit to ceylon.htm

The Secrets of Divine Love are to be Kept
... O night! propitious to my views,. Thy sable awning wide diffuse; Conceal
alike my joy and pain,. Nor draw thy curtain back again,. ...
/.../the secrets of divine love.htm

The Day of Blood at Prague.
... that their hour had come, and were ordered to prepare for their doom; and Lichtenstein
and the magistrates stepped out on to the balcony, an awning above them ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xv the day of.htm

Ezekiel's Discourse
... Of fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was thy sail, that it might be to thee
for an ensign; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was thine awning. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

Sermon at the Opening Services of the General Convention, October ...
... Richard Seymour. Missionary services in the wilderness were not unlike those of
our pioneer bishops. "We did hang an awning to the trees to shield us from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/i sermon at the opening.htm

The Puritan Beginnings of the Church in virginia ---Its Decline ...
... First under an awning made of an old sail, seated upon logs, with a rail nailed
to two trees for a pulpit, afterward in a poor shanty of a church, "that could ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter v the puritan beginnings.htm

Christian Churches.
... became still larger, there was no other way of accommodating it, and sheltering
it from rain or sun, than by covering the court either with an awning or a roof ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iii christian churches.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... was fine, and we were upon deck staring vacantly about us, as is our custom, with
our hands in our pockets, when a large barge with an awning, and manned by ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Awning (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) That part of the poop deck which is continued forward beyond the bulkhead
of the cabin. Multi-Version Concordance Awning (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/awning.htm - 7k

Tilt (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A cloth cover of a boat; a small canopy or awning extended over the
sternsheets of a boat. 4. (vt) To cover with a tilt, or awning. ...
/t/tilt.htm - 8k

Curtain (60 Occurrences)
... (3.) "Stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain" (Isaiah 40:22), is an expression
used with reference to the veil or awning which Orientals spread for a screen ...
/c/curtain.htm - 27k

Awnings (1 Occurrence)
... Of fine linen with richly woven work from Egypt was thy sail, that it might be to
thee for an ensign; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was thine awning...
/a/awnings.htm - 6k

Awl (2 Occurrences)

/a/awl.htm - 8k

Elishah (3 Occurrences)
... Of fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt was your sail, that it might be to
you for a banner; blue and purple from the islands of Elishah was your awning...
/e/elishah.htm - 8k

Earing (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A line fastening the corners of an awning to the rigging or stanchions.
5. (n.) Coming into ear, as corn. 6. (n.) A plowing of land. Int. ...
/e/earing.htm - 8k

Distinguishing (6 Occurrences)
... Of fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt was your sail, that it might be to
you for a banner; blue and purple from the islands of Elishah was your awning...
/d/distinguishing.htm - 8k

Bail (1 Occurrence)
... 11. (n.) A half hoop for supporting the cover of a carrier's wagon, awning of a
boat, etc. 12. (n.) A line of palisades serving as an exterior defense. 13. ...
/b/bail.htm - 8k

Broidered (9 Occurrences)
... Of fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt was your sail, that it might be to
you for a banner; blue and purple from the islands of Elishah was your awning...
/b/broidered.htm - 10k

Awning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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