In biblical times, beds were considered essential furnishings in a household, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The concept of a bed in the Bible extends beyond mere physical rest, often representing a place of comfort, intimacy, and even vulnerability.

Old Testament References

Beds are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, indicating their importance in daily life. In Genesis 47:31, Jacob, nearing the end of his life, is described as worshiping while leaning on the top of his staff, which some translations interpret as leaning on the head of his bed. This suggests that beds were integral to personal and familial settings, even in moments of significant spiritual reflection.

In 1 Samuel 19:13, Michal, David's wife, uses a household idol and places it in David's bed to deceive Saul's messengers, illustrating the bed as a personal and private space. Similarly, in 2 Kings 4:10, the Shunammite woman prepares a room for Elisha, complete with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, highlighting the bed's role in hospitality and care.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, beds continue to be seen as necessary for rest and healing. In Mark 2:4, the paralytic man is lowered through the roof on his mat, or bed, to reach Jesus, who heals him. This account underscores the bed as a symbol of both physical ailment and the transformative power of faith and healing.

Jesus Himself refers to beds in His teachings. In Luke 5:18-25, He commands the paralytic to "get up, pick up your mat, and go home," emphasizing the restoration of health and dignity. The bed, in this context, becomes a testament to divine intervention and mercy.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beds in biblical times were often simple, consisting of mats or thin mattresses that could be rolled up and easily transported. Despite their simplicity, they were considered necessary for rest and recuperation. The presence of a bed in a household was a sign of basic provision and care.

Symbolically, beds also represent a place of intimacy and covenant. In the Song of Solomon, the bed is a setting for expressions of love and commitment between the bride and groom, reflecting the sanctity of marital relations.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible occasionally uses the imagery of a bed to convey moral and ethical teachings. In Proverbs 7:16-17, the adulterous woman describes her bed as being adorned with coverings and perfumes, warning against the seductive allure of sin. This serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of what is meant to be a place of purity and rest.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, beds are depicted as necessary elements of life, providing rest, comfort, and a setting for significant personal and spiritual events. They serve as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of rest in the human experience.2 Kings 4:10
Let 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Second Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation.
... as doves, his cheeks are as beds of aromatical ... [283] The different parts considered
severally by ... sole sovereign perfection, which is the necessary unity and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v the second difference.htm

The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living
... Does it matter whether we missionaries sleep on spring beds, or those ... Another point
must also be considered here ... from the local mode of life is necessary if the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 2 the right to.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... some of these objections, together with such answers as may be considered necessary
to obviate ... plank to lie on, as preferable to most of the beds; and where ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

Characters and Names of Messiah
... or summary of what has already been considered more largely ... There is a strength
necessary to support the soul ... who have frequently access to the beds of dying ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ix characters and names.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... obvious alteration as will then be necessary for seasons ... will farther remain to be
considered here, but ... us commodious habitations and easy beds, and continuing ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

On visiting the Sick
... continuance in works of mercy is necessary to salvation ... them,) but attend on their
sick beds, dress their ... begin with asking, "Have you ever considered, that God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
... Does not conscience follow you to your beds, even if ... these things were believed,
and seriously considered, the sinner ... life, did not make it necessary to insist ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the care of the soul.htm

Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place ...
... seeks, such as good food, soft beds, rich clothing ... not belong to this latter
class,"indeed he considered too much ... No reform is necessary in that,"it is clear ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/iii meanwhile a somewhat embarrassing.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... but in deed and in truth." They watch the beds of the sick ... We learn from the history
which we have considered, what state of mind is necessary to prepare ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

Resurgam
... fact, that the Sabbath before last we considered the subject ... be when they shall awake
from their beds of silent ... Our answer is if it were necessary, every atom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/resurgam.htm

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