In the context of ancient weaving practices, the term "beam" refers to a crucial component of the loom, an apparatus used for weaving textiles. The beam is typically a horizontal bar or cylinder around which the warp threads are wound. This setup is essential for maintaining tension and alignment during the weaving process, allowing the weaver to interlace the weft threads effectively.

Biblical References:

The Bible provides several references to weaving and looms, highlighting the significance of textile production in ancient times. One notable mention of the beam in the context of weaving is found in the account of Samson. In Judges 16:13-14 , Delilah attempts to bind Samson by weaving the seven locks of his hair into the fabric on a loom:

"Then Delilah said to Samson, 'Until now you have mocked me and lied to me. Tell me how you can be tied up.' He replied, 'If you weave the seven braids of my head into the web of the loom and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man.' So while he slept, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the web, and tightened it with the pin. Then she called to him, 'Samson, the Philistines are upon you!' But he awoke from his sleep and pulled out the pin, the loom, and the web."

This passage illustrates the use of a loom and the beam as part of the weaving process, emphasizing the cultural and practical knowledge of weaving in biblical times.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Weaving was a vital skill in ancient Israelite society, providing necessary materials for clothing, tents, and other textiles. The loom, with its beam, was an essential tool in this craft. The process of weaving required skill and precision, as the warp threads needed to be evenly spaced and tightly wound around the beam to ensure a uniform fabric.

The beam's role in the loom was to hold the warp threads under tension, allowing the weaver to pass the weft threads over and under them to create the woven fabric. This method of textile production was labor-intensive and required a deep understanding of the materials and techniques involved.

Symbolism and Spiritual Insights:

In a spiritual sense, the act of weaving can be seen as a metaphor for the intricate and purposeful design of God's creation. Just as a weaver carefully interlaces threads to form a cohesive fabric, so too does God weave together the events and lives of His people to fulfill His divine plan. The beam, as a foundational element of the loom, represents the stability and order that God provides in the midst of life's complexities.

The account of Samson and Delilah also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deception and the importance of integrity. Samson's strength, symbolized by his uncut hair, was compromised through Delilah's cunning use of the loom, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with straying from God's path.

In summary, the beam in the context of weaving is not only a practical tool but also a symbol of the interconnectedness and purpose found in God's creation, as well as a reminder of the moral lessons embedded within biblical narratives.Judges 16:14
And she fastened it with the pin, and said to him, The Philistines be on you, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 21:19
And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 11:23
And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
Nave's Topical Index

708. ereg -- a loom
... beam, weaver's shuttle. From 'arag; a weaving; a braid; also a shuttle -- beam,
weaver's shuttle. see HEBREW 'arag. 707, 708. ereg. 709 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/708.htm - 6k

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... frame. But when he awoke, he rose up, and carried away the pin and the
beam of the weaving-frame; for he was as strong as before. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

A Look Ahead
... decisions, the actual step after step in living out the decisions, the patient steady
pushing on, is the beam that with ... This will be found to be like weaving. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/1 a look ahead.htm

All the Bells were Ringing the Angelus. ...
... the Cathedral of Notre Dame, he flashed his parting rays, weaving bright patterns ...
lover of the brilliant Diane de Poitiers,"and one broad beam fell purpling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/i all the bells were.htm

Psalm LV.
... it when we hear, there is ended the vesture which was in weaving: in each case ... doth
trouble the eye, hatred doth quench it: anger is a straw, hatred is a beam. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

The Guide into all Truth
... tracing of their consequences, the exhibition of their harmonies, the weaving of
them ... bandages, and closes the shutters, and lets a stray beam, ever growing as ...
/.../the guide into all truth.htm

What Lasts
... the hand-loom weaver's knowledge of how to throw his shuttle be worth in a
weaving-shed with ... The three primitive colours are unified in the white beam of light ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/what lasts.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ...
... is consumed by the eating; of a garment when it is perfected in the weaving. ... For
the "breadth" is the transverse beam in the cross where the hands are fastened ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon iii on the words.htm

Home-Sympathy.
... It is, therefore, the law of oneness in the family, weaving together, like warp
and woof ... in her step, a soothing expression in her face, a tender beam in her eye ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiv home-sympathy.htm

Greatness in the Kingdom
... A Hindoo, weaving in a shed, with bamboos for its walls and palm leaves for its
roof ... Whether you have a beam of the same sort in your own eye or not, you can ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/greatness in the kingdom.htm

While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican...
... of his intelligence mingling with hers, would make a paltry and rough weaving of
the ... and he caressed it gently, "like little golden tendrils with a beam of the ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxix while the foregoing scene.htm

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