Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "stool" can refer to a seat or a small piece of furniture used for sitting. It is often mentioned in the context of everyday life and domestic settings, reflecting the simplicity and humility of ancient living conditions. The stool, as a piece of furniture, is not frequently highlighted in Scripture, but its presence in certain passages provides insight into the cultural and historical backdrop of biblical times.Exodus 1:16 : "When you help the Hebrew women give birth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live." This passage refers to the "delivery stool," a tool used by Hebrew women during childbirth. The mention of the stool here highlights the practices and customs surrounding childbirth in ancient Egypt. The stool is part of the narrative involving the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied Pharaoh's orders, demonstrating their fear of God and commitment to preserving life. 1 Samuel 4:13 : "When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his stool beside the road, watching, because his heart was trembling for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out." In this verse, Eli, the priest, is described as sitting on a stool by the road. This image of Eli on a stool conveys a sense of anticipation and anxiety as he awaits news about the Ark of the Covenant. The stool here serves as a symbol of Eli's watchfulness and concern for the spiritual state of Israel. 2 Kings 4:10 : "Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us." While the term "stool" is not directly used in this passage, the mention of a "chair" in the room prepared for the prophet Elisha by the Shunammite woman reflects the basic furnishings of a hospitable home. The inclusion of such items indicates the importance of providing comfort and rest for God's servants. Ezekiel 8:3 : "He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the gateway of the inner court that faces north, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood." Though the term "stool" is not explicitly mentioned, the imagery of sitting and positioning oneself in a place of observation or judgment is a recurring theme in prophetic literature. The act of sitting often signifies authority, contemplation, or awaiting divine revelation. In biblical times, stools and similar seating arrangements were part of the everyday life of the people, serving practical purposes and occasionally appearing in narratives that reveal deeper spiritual truths. The simplicity of the stool as a piece of furniture underscores the humility and modesty that are often valued in biblical teachings. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 4:10Let us make a little chamber, I pray you, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he shall turn in thither. Nave's Topical Index Library Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Saved by Grace; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgShould the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.org I am a Jehovah's Witness. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Stool: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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