Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "reed" was often used as a unit of measurement. This measure is particularly significant in the context of ancient construction and land measurement, as seen in various scriptural references. The reed, as a unit, is generally understood to be approximately six cubits in length. A cubit, in ancient Hebrew measurement, is typically considered to be the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Therefore, a reed would measure about 9 feet or 2.7 meters.Biblical References: 1. Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple: The prophet Ezekiel provides a detailed description of a future temple, where the measurement of a reed is prominently featured. In Ezekiel 40:5 , it is written: "And behold, there was a wall surrounding the temple area. The measuring rod in the man’s hand was six cubits long, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. So he measured the thickness of the wall, one rod, and the height, one rod." This passage indicates that the reed used by the angelic figure in Ezekiel's vision was indeed six cubits long, emphasizing its use as a standard measure for sacred architecture. 2. The New Jerusalem: In the Book of Revelation, the measurement of a reed is again mentioned in the context of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:15-16 states: "The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with the rod: 12,000 stadia in length and width and height are equal." While the specific length of the reed is not detailed here, the use of a measuring rod or reed signifies the divine precision and order in the construction of the heavenly city. Symbolic Significance: The reed as a measure carries symbolic weight in biblical literature. It represents divine order, precision, and the standard by which God measures His creation. The use of a reed in measuring sacred spaces, such as the temple and the New Jerusalem, underscores the holiness and perfection expected in these divine structures. The consistency of the reed's length across different biblical texts suggests a universal standard, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His meticulous attention to detail. Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the use of reeds as measuring tools was practical and widespread. Reeds were readily available and could be cut to a specific length, making them convenient for builders and surveyors. The adoption of the reed as a standard measure in biblical texts aligns with common practices of the time, providing a relatable and understandable unit for the original audience. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the reed as a measure can be seen as a metaphor for God's law and judgment. Just as a reed provides a standard for physical measurement, God's commandments provide a standard for moral and spiritual conduct. The precise measurements in Ezekiel's vision and the description of the New Jerusalem serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 40:5And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed. Nave's Topical Index Library The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Political Constitution of Egypt Appendices The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Nile and Egypt The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the Ontological argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is secular humanism? | GotQuestions.org What is the canon of Scripture? | GotQuestions.org Measure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Measure: A Bath, About Eight Gallons and a Half Measure: A Bushel, About a Peck Measure: A Cab, or Kab, About Two Quarts Measure: A Cor, Equal to One Homer or Ten Ephahs, Equal to About Eleven and One-Ninth Bushels Measure: A Firkin, Nearly Nine Gallons Measure: A Half-Homer, About Five and a Half Bushels Measure: A Hin, About a Gallon and a Half Measure: A Homer, About Eleven Bushels, Equal to a Cor or Ten Ephahs Measure: A Log, About a Pint, One-Twelfth of a Hin Measure: A Mile, Probably Nine-Tenths of an English Mile Measure: A Reed, Probably Six Cubits Measure: A Sabbath Day's Journey, Two Thousand Paces Measure: A Seah, About a Peck and a Half Measure: A Tenth Deal, About a Gallon, Equal to One-Tenth of an Ephah Measure: An Omer, About One Bushel Related Terms |
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