In biblical times, benches were not as commonly mentioned as other forms of seating, such as chairs or stools. However, the concept of a bench, as a long seat for multiple people, can be inferred from various scriptural contexts and historical understandings of ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean cultures.

Cultural and Historical Context

Benches in ancient times were typically made from stone, wood, or clay. They were often found in public spaces such as city gates, marketplaces, and synagogues, where people gathered for social interaction, legal matters, or religious instruction. The use of benches in these settings facilitated communal activities and discussions.

Biblical References and Symbolism

While the Bible does not explicitly mention benches frequently, the idea of communal seating is present in several passages. For example, in the context of judgment and governance, elders and leaders would sit at the city gates, which likely included some form of seating arrangement, possibly benches. This is seen in passages like Ruth 4:1-2, where Boaz goes to the city gate to settle a legal matter, and the elders are present to witness the proceedings.

In the New Testament, the synagogue is a place where benches or similar seating would have been used. Luke 4:16 describes Jesus standing up to read in the synagogue, implying that there were places for people to sit and listen. The communal aspect of benches aligns with the early Christian emphasis on fellowship and gathering together, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where believers met regularly for teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

Symbolic Interpretations

Benches, as communal seating, can symbolize unity and equality among those who gather. In a biblical context, this reflects the Christian teaching that all believers are equal in the eyes of God, as stated in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . The shared seating of a bench can serve as a metaphor for the shared faith and community among believers.

Practical Applications

In modern church architecture, benches or pews are a common feature, reflecting the historical and biblical tradition of communal worship. These seating arrangements facilitate the gathering of the congregation, allowing for corporate worship, teaching, and fellowship. The design and placement of benches in a church setting can enhance the sense of community and shared purpose among worshippers.

In summary, while benches are not frequently mentioned in the Bible, their presence in historical and cultural contexts provides insight into their role in facilitating community and fellowship, both in ancient times and in contemporary Christian practice.(n.) Plural of Bench.

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... On all sides are to be seen the time-worn broken granite benches, from whence myriads
of human beings once gazed down on the area below, where the gladiator ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 17.htm

Rondelet, {7} the Huguenot Naturalist {8}
... and shells upon its shores afforded Rondelet materials for his immortal work upon
the "Animals of the Sea." The innumerable wild fowl of the Benches du Rhone ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/rondelet 7 the huguenot naturalist.htm

The Great Council
... At the upper end a small gilt throne has been erected for the Emperor, while the
Bishops and the clergy sit on seats and benches running the whole way around ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 3 the great council.htm

Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... hover about no pr??torian residences; I am not odorant of the canals, am not odorant
of the lattices, am no constant wearer out of benches, no wholesale router ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter v virtues of the mantle.htm

A Diet of Public Worship in the Time of Knox.
... Pews were as yet unknown; some churches had permanent desks or benches, to be occupied
by men holding public positions, or by prominent members of influential ...
//christianbookshelf.org/johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iv a diet of.htm

The Right to My Own Time
... We sat on benches that were about eight inches wide, and sipped "tea" that could
be called so only by courtesy; since, having no tea leaves, they had instead ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 6 the right to.htm

The Purification of Mary
... must have made many halts. At midday I saw them resting on benches round
a fountain with a roof over it. I saw some women coming ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the purification of mary.htm

The Final Disillusion
... open them. He sat down on the benches with those who had brought him, his
eyelids pressed down, refusing to look. Suddenly there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the final disillusion.htm

The Day of Blood at Prague.
... grace. As the night wore on they lay down on tables and benches to snatch
a few hours of that troubled sleep which gives no rest. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xv the day of.htm

With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ...
... made rainproof, and the ground planked over to make a decent flooring,"then he had
it painted inside a dark oak colour, and furnished it with rows of benches ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxviii with the entry of.htm

Benches (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Bench. Multi-Version Concordance
Benches (3 Occurrences). Matthew 21:12 Jesus entered into ...
/b/benches.htm - 7k

Bench (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (n.) A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; -- so named because
the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms. ...
/b/bench.htm - 8k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... It was used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their
galleys, and Hiram's skilled workmen made Solomon's throne of ivory (1 Kings 10 ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Bend (29 Occurrences)

/b/bend.htm - 16k

Kittites (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have
made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/k/kittites.htm - 6k

Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oaks.htm - 10k

Oars (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oars.htm - 7k

Larch (3 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have
made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/l/larch.htm - 7k

Inlaid (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have
made your benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/i/inlaid.htm - 8k

Tables (41 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Mark 7:4) means banqueting-couches or benches,
on which the Jews reclined when at meals. This custom, along ...
/t/tables.htm - 20k

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