In biblical times, the term "hatches" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept of hatches, as coverings or openings, can be related to various biblical themes and narratives involving doors, gates, and protective coverings. These elements often symbolize spiritual truths and divine protection.

Symbolism of Doors and Gates

In the Bible, doors and gates frequently symbolize access, protection, and transition. They serve as physical barriers that can either permit or restrict entry, reflecting spiritual truths about access to God and His kingdom. For instance, Jesus refers to Himself as the "door" in John 10:9 : "I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." This metaphor highlights the exclusive access to salvation and eternal life through Christ.

Protection and Security

The concept of hatches as protective coverings can be related to the biblical theme of divine protection. In the account of Noah's Ark, God instructs Noah to build an ark with a covering to protect his family and the animals from the floodwaters (Genesis 6:14-16). This covering symbolizes God's provision and protection during times of judgment and chaos.

Similarly, the Passover narrative in Exodus 12 illustrates the protective power of God. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, ensuring that the angel of death would "pass over" their homes. This act of faith and obedience provided a spiritual "hatch" of protection against the plague.

Spiritual Vigilance

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance, akin to keeping watch over a hatch or entry point. In Matthew 24:42 , Jesus warns His disciples: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This call to vigilance underscores the need for readiness and spiritual alertness in anticipation of Christ's return.

Guarding the Heart

Proverbs 4:23 advises believers to "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of safeguarding one's inner being, much like securing a hatch, to maintain spiritual purity and integrity. The heart is seen as the entry point for thoughts and actions, necessitating careful oversight to prevent spiritual compromise.

Conclusion

While the specific term "hatches" is not found in the Bible, the related concepts of doors, gates, and coverings are rich with spiritual significance. They illustrate themes of access, protection, vigilance, and the necessity of guarding one's heart in the Christian life. Through these symbols, believers are reminded of the importance of seeking refuge in God, remaining spiritually alert, and maintaining purity in their walk with Him.1716. dagar -- to gather together as a brood
... gather. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to gather together as a brood
NASB Word Usage gather (1), hatches eggs (1). gather, sit. ...
/hebrew/1716.htm - 6k

The First Chapter.
... But Ionas gatt him vnder the hatches & layed him downe and slombrede. And [the]
master of the sheppe came to him & sayd vn to him/ why slomberest thou? vpp! ...
/.../tyndale/the prophete ionas with an introduccion/the first chapter.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... Attempts arc made to quench the fire; but when the hatches are lifted up, the wind
rushes in, and the fire is fanned to a dreadful, all-devouring conflagration ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, vi.
... He prepares devices, he hatches plots, he bursts out into murders, and that he may
make use of the remnants of those whom he still deceives, is consumed with ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxvi on the feast.htm

April the Twenty-Seventh Obscure Birthplaces
... "Genius hatches her offspring in strange places." Very humble homes are the
birthplaces of mighty emancipations. There was a little farm at St. ...
/.../april the twenty-seventh obscure birthplaces.htm

A Rough Voyage
... Early on Saturday morning, the hatches were closed which, together with the violent
motion, made our horses so turbulent, that I was afraid we would have to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a rough voyage 2.htm

Of the Sentiment of Divine Love which is had by Faith.
... In like manner the ostrich lays her eggs upon the sands of Libya, but the sun alone
hatches her young ones; and doctors by their inquiry and discourse propose ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiv of the sentiment.htm

Sin the Mocker
... coast speaking fair, and tempting them on board by wonderful promises, but
once the poor creatures are in the ship, then on with the hatches and, if ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sin the mocker.htm

Wind and Spirit
... of liberty is eternal vigilance,' so we say about the new life of the Christian
man"he is free only on condition that he keeps well under hatches the old ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/wind and spirit.htm

Jotham
... law, and which is woefully likely to degenerate into following the lower nature,
which ought not to be followed, but covered and kept under hatches"such a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jotham.htm

A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope
... Remember that the constitution of human nature, as God has meant it, is this: down
there, under hatches, under control, the strong impulses; above them, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/a dark picture and a.htm

Hatches (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hatches (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 17:11 A partridge
hatching, and not bringing forth, 'Is' one making wealth ...
/h/hatches.htm - 6k

Secure (78 Occurrences)
... make fast; to close or confine effectually; to render incapable of getting loose
or escaping; as, to secure a prisoner; to secure a door, or the hatches of a ...
/s/secure.htm - 30k

Hatchet (1 Occurrence)

/h/hatchet.htm - 7k

Hatched (2 Occurrences)

/h/hatched.htm - 7k

Hatch (3 Occurrences)
... 14. (n.) An opening into, or in search of, a mine. 15. (vt) To close with a hatch
or hatches. Multi-Version Concordance Hatch (3 Occurrences). ...
/h/hatch.htm - 8k

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