In biblical times, the concept and use of beds were quite different from modern understandings. Beds in the ancient Near East, including the regions described in the Bible, were often simple and functional, reflecting the lifestyle and resources of the people.

Description and Use:

Beds in biblical times were typically mats or mattresses that could be rolled up and easily transported. They were laid on the floor at night and stored away during the day, especially in modest homes. Wealthier individuals might have had more elaborate sleeping arrangements, including raised platforms or frames. The materials used for these beds varied, including wool, linen, or other locally available fabrics.

Biblical References:

Beds are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing rest, illness, or even death. In the Old Testament, beds are sometimes associated with comfort and luxury, as seen in Amos 6:4, where the prophet criticizes those who "lie on beds of ivory and lounge on their couches."

In the New Testament, Jesus' healing miracles often involve beds or mats. For instance, in Mark 2:11-12 , Jesus tells a paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home." This command not only signifies physical healing but also spiritual restoration and forgiveness.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

Beds in the Bible can also carry symbolic meanings. In Psalm 63:6 , David reflects on God during the night: "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night." Here, the bed becomes a place of meditation and communion with God.

Conversely, beds can symbolize moral and spiritual decline. Proverbs 7:16-17 describes the seduction of a young man by an adulterous woman, who says, "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon." This imagery warns against the dangers of succumbing to temptation and sin.

Legal and Ritual Aspects:

In the Mosaic Law, beds could also be associated with ritual purity. Leviticus 15:4-5 outlines regulations concerning bodily discharges, stating, "Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean." These laws highlight the importance of cleanliness and holiness in daily life.

Conclusion:

Beds in the Bible serve as more than just physical objects for rest; they are woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, symbolizing a range of human experiences from rest and intimacy to illness and moral choices. Through these references, the Bible provides insights into the daily lives and spiritual lessons of its characters.

Vesalius the Anatomist {9}
... It is a darkened chamber in the College of Alcala, in the year 1562, where lies,
probably in a huge four-post bed, shrouded in stifling hangings, the heir ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/vesalius the anatomist 9.htm

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... After that Manasses her husband died, anon she went into the overest part of her
house in which she made a privy bed, which she and her servants closed, and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Then said he: Swear to me, and so he swore. And then Israel adored and
worshipped our Lord, and turned him toward his bed's head. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... man's profoundest fall! The death-bed of the just! is yet undrawn. ... And enter, awed,
the temple of my theme. Is it his death-bed? No: it is his shrine: ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Before I set foot out of doors, one night, as I lay in my bed, I had a dream about
this; for, methought I saw two men, as like these as ever the world they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... marriage, as he so richly deserved. The death-bed scene of the pious
broken-hearted Mrs. Badman, is a masterpiece. In fact the whole is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Bed's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bed's (1 Occurrence). Genesis 47:31 He said, "Swear to
me," and he swore to him. Israel bowed himself on the bed's head. ...
/b/bed's.htm - 6k

Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... Used in Deuteronomy 3:11, but elsewhere rendered "couch," "bed." In 2 Kings 1:4;
16:2; Psalm 132:3; Amos 3:12, the divan is meant by this word. ...
/b/bedstead.htm - 18k

Beds (22 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Psalms 4:4 Tremble, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon
your bed, and be still. Selah (See RSV NIV). Psalms 18 ...
/b/beds.htm - 13k

Leaned (14 Occurrences)
... God. (See NIV). Genesis 47:31 He said, "Swear to me," and he swore to him.
Israel bowed himself on the bed's head. (See NIV). Numbers ...
/l/leaned.htm - 10k

Swore (109 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS DBY WBS NAS RSV). Genesis 47:31 He said, "Swear to me," and he swore to
him. Israel bowed himself on the bed's head. (WEB JPS DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/swore.htm - 39k

Sware (90 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Genesis 47:31 And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him.
And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head. (KJV ASV). ...
/s/sware.htm - 35k

Staff (91 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Genesis 47:31 He said, "Swear to me," and he swore to him. Israel
bowed himself on the bed's head. (See NIV). Genesis 49 ...
/s/staff.htm - 38k

Worshiped (83 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 47:31 And he said: 'Swear unto me.' And he swore unto
him. And Israel bowed down upon the bed's head. (See NIV). ...
/w/worshiped.htm - 33k

Swear (99 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 47:31 He said, "Swear to me," and he swore to him. Israel bowed himself
on the bed's head. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/swear.htm - 39k

Bowed (150 Occurrences)
... Genesis 47:31 He said, "Swear to me," and he swore to him. Israel bowed
himself on the bed's head. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV). ...
/b/bowed.htm - 38k

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