In biblical times, beds were not only used for sleeping at night but also served as places for reclining during the day. These beds, often simple in construction, were integral to daily life and social customs in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites.

Cultural Context and Construction:

Beds in the ancient world were typically low platforms or mats placed on the floor. They could be made from woven reeds, wood, or other available materials. In wealthier households, beds might be more elaborate, featuring frames and cushions. The simplicity or complexity of a bed often reflected the social status of its owner.

Biblical References:

The Bible provides several references to beds used for reclining during the day, highlighting their role in rest, leisure, and even in significant events. For instance, in the account of King David, we see the use of a bed for rest and recuperation. In 2 Samuel 4:7 , it is noted that Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed at noon, indicating the use of beds for daytime rest: "They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom."

In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles often involved beds, symbolizing healing and restoration. In Mark 2:11-12 , Jesus tells a paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home." The mat here serves as a portable bed, illustrating its use for reclining and the transformative power of Christ's healing.

Symbolism and Significance:

Beds in the Bible can symbolize rest, vulnerability, and the intimate aspects of life. They are places where people experience dreams, revelations, and divine encounters. For example, in Genesis 28:11-12 , Jacob uses a stone for a pillow and dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey.

Moreover, beds are sometimes associated with moral and spiritual lessons. Proverbs 6:9-10 warns against laziness, using the imagery of a bed: "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest."

Social and Religious Practices:

In addition to personal use, beds were part of social and religious practices. Reclining on beds during meals was a common custom, especially during significant feasts. This practice is evident in the Last Supper, where Jesus and His disciples reclined at the table (Mark 14:18).

Beds also played a role in mourning and lamentation. In Amos 6:4 , the prophet criticizes those who "lie on beds of ivory," highlighting the contrast between luxury and the impending judgment due to social injustice.

Conclusion:

Beds used for reclining during the day in biblical times were more than mere furniture; they were woven into the fabric of daily life, culture, and spiritual symbolism. Through various biblical narratives, they reveal insights into the customs, values, and divine interactions of the ancient world.2 Samuel 4:5
And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 11:2
And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand
... been said that the term is used only by St ... companies' [3238] of fifties and hundreds,
reclining, [3239] and ... many-coloured dresses, like garden-beds' [3240] [3241 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxix the miraculous feeding.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... And this expression is used with reference to falsehood ... full of sweet ointments and
perfumes, reclining on soft ... who are sick, carrying their beds, and washing ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... God in that long period has used several dispensations ... and horses, and carriages,
and soft beds, and good ... consists of a female figure reclining her head on a ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... need of help, whereas the horse is used for the ... gorging themselves with their blood,
in that day when account ... They went fowling among the reed-beds, or retired ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Household Salvation
... that they are not fit to rise from their beds in the ... the torches, and the lamps such
as were used in the ... felt when they saw the two holy men reclining at their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... which the selection is taken, Gregory depends upon others, and must be used with
caution. ... About 496 he was baptized, probably on Christmas Day, at Rheims, by St ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

What is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is there a biblical spiritual gifts list? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between iniquity, sin, and transgression? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus