In biblical times, beds were not the elaborate structures we often think of today. Instead, they were typically simple arrangements that could be easily moved or stored. The term "bed" in the Bible often refers to a mat, couch, or divan, which served multiple purposes, including sleeping, reclining, and even dining.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, beds were often simple mats or rugs laid on the floor. For example, in 1 Samuel 19:13, Michal, David's wife, uses a household idol and a goat's hair pillow to create the illusion of David lying in bed to deceive Saul's messengers: "Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment" . This indicates that beds were not permanent fixtures but rather temporary setups that could be easily manipulated.

The Song of Solomon also provides insight into the use of beds as places of rest and intimacy. In Song of Solomon 3:7, Solomon's bed is described as being surrounded by sixty warriors, highlighting its significance and the protection afforded to the king: "Behold, it is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty warriors from the valiant of Israel" . This suggests that beds could also symbolize status and security.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, beds continue to be depicted as simple and functional. In Mark 2:4, the account of the paralytic being lowered through the roof to reach Jesus illustrates the portability of beds: "Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat" . This passage shows that beds were light enough to be carried and maneuvered through tight spaces.

Additionally, in Acts 9:33, Peter encounters a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years. The text states: "There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years" . This highlights the use of beds for the sick and infirm, serving as a place of rest and recovery.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beds in biblical times were not only practical but also held cultural and symbolic significance. They were often associated with rest, healing, and even death. In 2 Kings 4:21, the Shunammite woman places her deceased son on the bed of the man of God, Elisha, indicating a place of hope and anticipated miracle: "And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out" .

Furthermore, beds could symbolize moral and spiritual states. In Proverbs 7:16-17, the adulterous woman describes her bed as a place of seduction: "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon" . This illustrates how beds could also represent temptation and sin.

In summary, beds in the Bible were versatile and symbolic, serving as places of rest, healing, and sometimes moral testing. They were integral to daily life and carried deeper meanings within the cultural and spiritual contexts of the biblical narrative.Job 7:13
When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaints;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 6:6
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Carcass and the Eagles
... of violence to come near; 4. That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves
upon their couches, and eat ... no ivory on their divans, but no divans at all ...
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