In biblical times, the term "rolls" refers to scrolls, which were the primary medium for writing and preserving texts. These scrolls were made from papyrus or parchment and were rolled up for storage and transport. The use of scrolls is evident throughout the Bible, serving as a means to record sacred texts, legal documents, and prophetic writings.

Old Testament References

The concept of rolls is notably present in the Old Testament. In Jeremiah 36, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to write down all the words spoken to him on a scroll. Jeremiah 36:2 states, "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you—during the reign of Josiah until today." This passage highlights the importance of scrolls in preserving divine revelation and prophecy.

Another significant mention is found in Ezekiel 2:9-10 , where the prophet Ezekiel describes a scroll given to him by God: "Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll, which He unrolled before me. And on both sides of it were written words of lamentation, mourning, and woe." This imagery underscores the role of scrolls as carriers of God's messages, often containing warnings and judgments.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the use of scrolls continues, particularly in the context of Jewish religious practices. In Luke 4:17 , Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue: "The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written." This event emphasizes the scroll's role in worship and teaching, as well as Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy.

The Book of Revelation also features scroll imagery. Revelation 5:1 describes a scroll in the right hand of God: "Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals." This scroll represents God's ultimate plan and judgment, with its seals symbolizing the unfolding of eschatological events.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Scrolls were central to Jewish religious life, containing the Torah and other sacred writings. They were meticulously copied by scribes to ensure the accuracy and preservation of God's Word. The reverence for scrolls is evident in the care taken in their production and handling, reflecting their status as vessels of divine truth.

In the broader cultural context, scrolls were used for various purposes, including legal documents, historical records, and literature. However, their most profound significance lies in their role as the medium through which God's Word was communicated to His people.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The imagery of scrolls in the Bible often symbolizes revelation, authority, and the unfolding of divine will. They serve as a tangible representation of God's communication with humanity, containing His laws, promises, and prophecies. The act of unrolling a scroll can signify the unveiling of truth and the progression of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, rolls or scrolls in the Bible are more than mere physical objects; they are integral to the transmission and preservation of God's Word. Their presence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights their enduring significance in the spiritual and religious life of God's people.5440. phulakterion -- an outpost, fortification, an amulet
... lak-tay'-ree-on) Short Definition: a phylactery, an amulet Definition: a phylactery,
an amulet, a parchment capsule containing little parchment rolls with the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5440.htm - 7k1556. galal -- to roll, roll away
... to roll, roll away NASB Word Usage commit (3), lay wallowing (1), roll (5), roll
you down (1), roll down (1), rolled (3), rolled away (1), rolls (1), seek ...
/hebrew/1556.htm - 6k

7076. qinnamon -- cinnamon
... cinnamon. From an unused root (meaning to erect); cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls) --
cinnamon. 7075, 7076. qinnamon. 7077 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7076.htm - 5k

6916. qiddah -- cassia
... cassia. From qadad; cassia bark (as in shrivelled rolls) -- cassia. see HEBREW
qadad. 6915, 6916. qiddah. 6917 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6916.htm - 6k

The God of the Seasons. 1 Great God! Let all Our Tuneful Powers ...
... The God of the Seasons. 1 Great God! let all our tuneful powers Awake and sing thy
mighty name; Thy hand rolls on our circling hours. 851. LM Heginbotham. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/851 the god of.htm

Introduction
... commentators. Ancient authorities for his Life are:"(1) The Magna Vita,
by Chaplain Adam (Rolls); (2) Metrical Life, Ed. Dimock ...
//christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/introduction.htm

The Original Text and Its History.
... furnished by them is called the Masoretic, in distinction from the unpointed text,
which latter is, according to Jewish usage, retained in the synagogue-rolls. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiv the original text.htm

Baptism --A Burial
... instituted. As yet we are, with regard to spiritual things, like children
playing on the beach while the ocean rolls before us. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/baptisma burial.htm

Connection of These Primeval Testimonies with Christ.
... which concur in Himself: so that, just as Alpha rolls on till it reaches Omega,
and again Omega rolls back till it reaches Alpha, in the same way He might show ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter v connection of these primeval.htm

The Secret of Its Greatness
... Perhaps he wrote the first words of the Bible on rolls of papyrus paper with
a soft reed pen, in the manner of the Egyptian scribes. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ii the secret of.htm

Index of Names and Subjects.
... the people, 147; contrasts to the teaching of Deuteronomy, 153; enmity of the priests,
168; prediction of the ruin of the Temple, 168; the Rolls, 178; address ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/index of names and subjects.htm

Canonicity.
... The explanation of the early mixture of non-canonical books with canonical, by reason
of their having been kept as separate papyrus rolls in the same chest ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/canonicity.htm

What do we Count them Worth?
... The women say "Chee!" Then he rolls in the dust, and squirms, and wriggles, and
howls; and he pours out such unclean vials of wrath that the women, coerced ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxix what do we.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... space around, set apart for women, represents the Court of the Women, while the
innermost and highest place, with the Ark behind, containing the rolls of the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

Rolls (3 Occurrences)
...Rolls (3 Occurrences). Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was
made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. ...
/r/rolls.htm - 7k

Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... 2. Egyptian Papyri: Egyptian papyrus rolls are in existence dating from the 27th
century BC, and no doubt the manufacture of papyrus had been practiced for ...
/p/papyrus.htm - 34k

Roll (57 Occurrences)
... 2:9; 3:1-3; Zechariah 5:1, 2. "Rolls" (Chald. ... 4. (n.) To drive or impel forward with
an easy motion, as of rolling; as, a river rolls its waters to the ocean. ...
/r/roll.htm - 33k

Roller (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who, or that which, rolls; especially, a cylinder, sometimes grooved,
of wood, stone, metal, etc., used in husbandry and the arts. ...
/r/roller.htm - 8k

Bible
... (2) Canticles, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, called the five rolls,
as being written for the synagogue use on five separate rolls. ...
/b/bible.htm - 101k

Manuscripts
... In a narrower sense they are handwritten codices, rolls and folded documents, as
distinguished from printed books on the one hand and inscriptions, or engraved ...
/m/manuscripts.htm - 39k

Hebrew (37 Occurrences)
... Other Targumim (not officially recognized): (1) To the Psalms and Job; (2) to Proverbs;
(3) to the Five Rolls; (4) to Chronicles-all Palestinian. See TARGUM. ...
/h/hebrew.htm - 77k

Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... The famous library which at different eras was reported as possessing from 400,000
to 900,000 books and rolls-the rolls being as precious as the books-was a ...
/a/alexandria.htm - 31k

Septuagint
... The translators arrive at Alexandria, bringing a copy of the Law written in letters
of gold on rolls of skins, and are honorably received by Ptolemy. ...
/s/septuagint.htm - 38k

Canon
... Various other and somewhat fanciful explanations of it, however, have been given:
for example, to prevent profane uses of worn-out synagogue rolls (Buhl); or ...
/c/canon.htm - 68k

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