Lattice-work refers to a crisscrossed framework of strips of material, often wood or metal, that forms a pattern of open spaces. In biblical times, lattice-work was commonly used in architecture, particularly in windows, to allow air and light to enter while maintaining privacy and security. The concept of lattice-work appears in several passages of the Bible, providing both literal and metaphorical significance.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 5:28 · In the Song of Deborah, the mother of Sisera is depicted as looking through a lattice. The verse states, "Through the window peered Sisera’s mother; behind the lattice she cried out: 'Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed?'" . This imagery highlights the use of lattice-work in ancient dwellings, serving as a vantage point for observation while offering a degree of concealment.

2. Proverbs 7:6 · The book of Proverbs uses lattice-work metaphorically to describe a scene of temptation and folly. "For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice," begins the narrative of a young man lacking judgment. The lattice here symbolizes a barrier between wisdom and folly, as the observer witnesses the unfolding of a moral lesson.

3. Song of Solomon 2:9 · In this poetic book, lattice-work is used to convey romantic imagery. "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice." . The lattice serves as a delicate screen through which the lover observes, suggesting both intimacy and separation.

Cultural and Architectural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern architecture, lattice-work was a practical and aesthetic feature. It allowed for ventilation and light while providing privacy, a necessity in the hot and arid climate. Lattice-work could be made from various materials, including wood, reeds, or metal, and was often intricately designed to enhance the beauty of a home or building.

Symbolic Interpretations:

Lattice-work in the Bible often carries symbolic meanings. It can represent the boundary between the seen and unseen, the known and unknown. In Proverbs, the lattice is a metaphor for the separation between wisdom and folly, while in the Song of Solomon, it symbolizes the tension between presence and absence in romantic love.

Theological Reflections:

From a theological perspective, lattice-work can be seen as a metaphor for the divine-human relationship. Just as a lattice allows light to pass through while maintaining a barrier, God's presence is both revealed and concealed in the world. Believers are called to look through the "lattice" of Scripture and creation to discern God's will and presence in their lives.

In summary, lattice-work in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, reflecting both the practical aspects of ancient life and the deeper spiritual truths of human experience.4346. mikbar -- grating, lattice-work
... 4345, 4346. mikbar. 4347 . grating, lattice-work. Transliteration: mikbar
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-bawr') Short Definition: grating. ...
/hebrew/4346.htm - 6k

7639. sebakah -- latticework, network
... 7638, 7639. sebakah. 7640 . latticework, network. Transliteration: sebakah
Phonetic Spelling: (seb-aw-kaw') Short Definition: network. ...
/hebrew/7639.htm - 6k

Godly Living.
... of the vine. He keeps intertwining them as they grow, and by such training
forms a latticework made of shrubbery. The soul intertwined ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/godly living.htm

Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... and adorned it with four transverse cloisters, making a quadrangular space with
pillars rising on every side, which he has joined with lattice-work screens of ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv panegyric on the splendor.htm

Symbolism of the Church Building
... The word "chancel" is derived from the Latin word for the lattice-work which
formerly parted this portion of the church from the nave. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolism of the church building.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Over it stood a longish, rectangular manger or rack, narrower below, and broader
above, made of wooden lattice-work, and raised on four feet, so that the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Lattice-work (1 Occurrence)
Lattice-work. Lattices, Lattice-work. Laud . Multi-Version
Concordance Lattice-work (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 6:4 And ...
/l/lattice-work.htm - 6k

Lattice (6 Occurrences)
... of the houses were sometimes enclosed with a parapet of lattice-work on wooden ... laths,
or thin strips; as, the lattice of a window; -- also called latticework. ...
/l/lattice.htm - 9k

Cancel (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To enclose or surround, as with a railing, or with latticework. 2. (vi)
To shut out, as with a railing or with latticework; to exclude. ...
/c/cancel.htm - 8k

Lattices (2 Occurrences)

/l/lattices.htm - 6k

Laud (4 Occurrences)

/l/laud.htm - 8k

Grate (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A structure or frame containing parallel or crossed bars, with interstices;
a kind of latticework, such as is used in the windows of prisons and ...
/g/grate.htm - 10k

Grating (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A partition, covering, or frame of parallel or cross bars; a latticework
resembling a window grate; as, the grating of a prison or convent. ...
/g/grating.htm - 10k

Windows (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV). 1 Kings 6:4 For the house he made windows of
fixed latticework. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/windows.htm - 15k

Window (24 Occurrences)
... Properly only an opening in a house for the admission of light and air, covered
with lattice-work, which might be opened or closed (2 Kings 1:2; Acts 20:9 ...
/w/window.htm - 16k

Trellis (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A structure or frame of crossbarred work, or latticework,
used for various purposes, as for screens or for supporting plants. ...
/t/trellis.htm - 6k

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