Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "four-sided" in the Bible often relates to descriptions of objects, structures, or visions that carry symbolic or practical significance. The number four frequently represents universality or completeness, as seen in the four corners of the earth or the four winds. This symbolism is reflected in various biblical passages and contexts.Tabernacle and Temple Structures In the construction of sacred spaces, the four-sided nature of certain elements underscores their stability and completeness. For instance, the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle was square, as described in Exodus 27:1: "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high." This four-sided design signifies the altar's role as a central, stable place of sacrifice and worship. Similarly, the altar in Solomon's Temple was also four-sided, emphasizing its function as a focal point for the Israelites' offerings and prayers. The square shape of these altars may symbolize the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with His people, encompassing all directions and aspects of life. Ezekiel's Vision In the prophetic visions of Ezekiel, the four-sided nature of certain elements carries deep symbolic meaning. Ezekiel 1:10 describes the four living creatures, each with four faces: "As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man, the face of a lion on the right, the face of an ox on the left, and the face of an eagle." These four faces represent different aspects of creation and divine attributes, suggesting the all-encompassing nature of God's presence and authority. Ezekiel's vision of the new temple also includes a four-sided altar, as detailed in Ezekiel 43:16: "Now the altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth." This altar, like those before it, signifies the completeness and perfection of worship in the restored temple. New Jerusalem In the Book of Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as a perfect cube, a city with four equal sides, symbolizing its divine perfection and completeness. Revelation 21:16 states, "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width." This four-sided city represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate unity and harmony of His creation. Symbolism of Four Throughout Scripture, the number four and the concept of being four-sided often symbolize universality, completeness, and divine order. Whether in the construction of sacred altars, the visions of prophets, or the depiction of the New Jerusalem, the four-sided nature of these elements reflects the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's plan and presence in the world. Strong's Hebrew 7251. raba -- to square... raba' through the idea of sprawling "at all fours" (or possibly the reverse is the order of deriv.); compare arba'); properly, to be four (sided); used only as ... /hebrew/7251.htm - 6k 7243. rebii -- fourth Library Whether Many Habits Can be in one Power? Whether Sin is Fittingly Divided into Sin against God, against ... Symbolism of the Church Building The Members of the Lord: their Names and Significance Making and Breaking Connections. Letter vii. (AD 389. ) The Teen Age Teacher Last Things Thesaurus Four-sided (1 Occurrence)Four-sided. Fourscore, Four-sided. Foursquare . Multi-Version Concordance Four-sided (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 6:33 So ... /f/four-sided.htm - 6k Foursquare (10 Occurrences) Fourscore (33 Occurrences) Quarrel (22 Occurrences) Obelisk Diamond (5 Occurrences) Altar (343 Occurrences) Resources Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org Who was John Nelson Darby? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Four-sided (1 Occurrence)1 Kings 6:33 Subtopics Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |