The term "crossbar" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible; however, it is often associated with the construction of the tabernacle and the temple, as well as with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In biblical contexts, the crossbar serves both a functional and symbolic purpose.

Tabernacle and Temple Construction

In the construction of the tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, crossbars were used to provide structural support. Exodus 26:26-28 states, "You are to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from end to end." These crossbars were integral to the stability and integrity of the tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

Similarly, in the construction of Solomon's Temple, crossbars were used to ensure the stability of the structure. Although the specific term "crossbar" is not used, the concept of structural support is evident in the detailed descriptions of the temple's construction found in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The most significant association of the crossbar in Christian theology is with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The cross, consisting of a vertical stake and a horizontal crossbar, is the instrument upon which Jesus was crucified. This event is central to Christian faith, symbolizing the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity.

The Gospels provide detailed accounts of the crucifixion. In John 19:17-18 , it is written, "Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle." The crossbar, or patibulum, was likely the part of the cross that Jesus carried to the site of His crucifixion.

The cross, with its crossbar, has since become the preeminent symbol of Christianity, representing the sacrificial love of Christ and the hope of redemption and eternal life for believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of the cross in Galatians 6:14 , stating, "But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The crossbar, as part of the cross, holds deep theological significance. It represents the intersection of divine justice and mercy, where Jesus bore the sins of the world. The cross is a reminder of the cost of sin and the depth of God's love, as expressed in John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

In summary, while the term "crossbar" itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its implications are woven throughout the narrative of Scripture, from the construction of sacred spaces to the pivotal event of the crucifixion. The crossbar serves as a symbol of both the physical and spiritual support provided by God to His people.(n.) A transverse bar or piece, as a bar across a door, or as the iron bar or stock which passes through the shank of an anchor to insure its turning fluke down.

But when the Student of the Holy Scriptures...
... the breadth of which is indicated by the transverse wood on which the hands are
stretched, its length by the part from the ground up to the crossbar on which ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 62 but when the.htm

What Kind of Spirit is Required for the Study of Holy Scripture.
... by the part from the ground up to the cross-bar on which the whole body from the
head downwards is fixed, its height by the part from the crossbar to the top ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 41 what kind of spirit.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Crossbar (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Crossbar (2 Occurrences). Exodus 26:28 The middle bar
in the midst of the boards shall pass through from end to end. (See NIV). ...
/c/crossbar.htm - 7k

Crossbars (8 Occurrences)

/c/crossbars.htm - 8k

Driver (4 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) An attachment to a lathe, spindle, or face plate to turn a carrier. 7.
(n.) A crossbar on a grinding mill spindle to drive the upper stone. ...
/d/driver.htm - 8k

Music (143 Occurrences)
... in its general outlines resembled the lyre, consisted of a rectilinear-shaped sound
box from which rose two arms, connected above by a crossbar; the strings ...
/m/music.htm - 78k

Cross (157 Occurrences)

/c/cross.htm - 50k

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