Topical Encyclopedia In biblical symbolism, the concept of a "door" often represents an entryway or passage, both physically and spiritually. Within the context of the Law, the door serves as a significant metaphor for the place where God's commandments are to be visibly and memorably inscribed, reflecting the importance of keeping His statutes at the forefront of daily life.Old Testament Context The idea of writing the Law on the doorposts is rooted in the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The passage commands the Israelites to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to keep His commandments always before them. Deuteronomy 6:9 states, "Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." This commandment underscores the importance of making God's Law an integral part of one's home and life, serving as a constant reminder of His presence and authority. The doorpost, therefore, becomes a symbol of the threshold between the sacred and the secular, a place where the divine law intersects with daily human activity. By inscribing the Law on the doorposts, the Israelites were to ensure that every entry and exit from their homes was a moment of reflection on God's commandments. New Testament Reflection In the New Testament, the concept of the Law being written on the heart rather than on physical objects is emphasized. Hebrews 10:16 quotes the promise of the new covenant: "This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds." While the physical act of writing the Law on doorposts was a practice under the Old Covenant, the New Covenant shifts the focus to an internalization of God's commandments. However, the metaphor of the door remains significant in the teachings of Jesus. In John 10:9 , Jesus declares, "I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." Here, the door symbolizes the entryway to salvation and eternal life, with Jesus Himself being the passage through which believers must enter. Cultural and Historical Significance The practice of writing the Law on doorposts has continued in Jewish tradition through the use of the mezuzah, a small case affixed to the doorframe containing a scroll with verses from the Torah, including the Shema. This tradition serves as a tangible reminder of God's commandments and the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Christian homes, while the physical act of writing on doorposts may not be practiced, the principle of keeping God's Word central in the household remains vital. Many Christians choose to display Scripture verses in their homes as a testament to their faith and commitment to living according to God's Word. Spiritual Implications The door as a symbol of the Law to be written on highlights the importance of making God's commandments a visible and integral part of one's life. It serves as a reminder that the Law is not merely a set of rules to be followed but a guide for living in relationship with God. The transition from the physical inscription on doorposts to the internalization of the Law in the heart reflects the transformative power of God's Word in the life of a believer. In summary, the door represents both a literal and metaphorical space where God's Law is to be acknowledged and revered, serving as a constant reminder of His presence and the call to live according to His will. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 11:20And you shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates: Nave's Topical Index Library Note B. --Chap. Iv the Law Written in the Heart Whether the Sacraments of the Old Law Caused Grace? Christ from Heaven Says, "Behold I Stand at the Door... The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ... Whether the Precepts Referring to Knowledge and Understanding were ... The Entrance to the Life of Full Obedience Of Israel's Bondage in Egypt, their Deliverance, and their Passage ... "Peace be unto You" Whether the New Law Directed Man Sufficiently as Regards Interior ... Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"? Resources What is truth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the keys of the kingdom? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He told us to ask, seek, and knock? | GotQuestions.org Door: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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