Topical Bible: Books: Made in a Roll

◄ Books: Made in a Roll ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of books as we understand them today did not exist. Instead, writings were often inscribed on scrolls, which were long strips of papyrus, parchment, or leather that were rolled up for storage and unrolled for reading. These scrolls, referred to as "rolls" in some biblical translations, played a crucial role in the recording and dissemination of religious, legal, and historical texts.

Historical Context

The use of scrolls dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Hebrews. Scrolls were the primary medium for written communication and record-keeping. The process of creating a scroll involved preparing the writing material, inscribing the text, and then rolling it up for protection and portability. Scrolls were often stored in clay jars or wooden boxes to preserve them from environmental damage.

Biblical References

The Bible contains several references to scrolls, highlighting their importance in the religious and cultural practices of the Israelites. One notable mention is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet is instructed to write on a scroll all the words spoken to him by the Lord. 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."

Another significant reference is in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet is given a scroll to eat as a symbolic act of internalizing God's message. Ezekiel 2:9-10 describes this event: "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."

The New Testament also mentions scrolls, particularly in the context of Jesus' ministry. 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."

Symbolic Significance

Scrolls in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They represent the authority and permanence of God's word, as well as the responsibility of the prophets and leaders to faithfully convey divine messages. The act of unrolling a scroll to read from it signifies the revelation and proclamation of God's will to His people.

Cultural and Religious Practices

In Jewish tradition, the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible, is traditionally written on a scroll and is central to synagogue worship. The scroll is treated with great reverence, reflecting the sacredness of the text it contains. The practice of reading from the Torah scroll during services continues to be a vital aspect of Jewish religious life.

Conclusion

The use of scrolls in biblical times underscores the importance of written records in preserving and transmitting religious teachings. These scrolls, often referred to as "rolls," were not only practical tools for communication but also held deep spiritual significance as vessels of divine revelation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 34:4
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 36:2
Take you a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, even to this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 2:9
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent to me; and, see, a roll of a book was therein;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Bible in the Days of Jesus Christ
... [Illustration: (drop cap S) Reading from a Roll"old Roman Painting] ... Indeed, not until
the Greek translation was made were the books grouped in the order ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter viii the bible in.htm

How the Books were Written.
... It is not, however, a roll, but a book in ... another fact, to which allusion has been
made, that this old Bible contains among the Old Testament books those books ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

The Song of Simeon; Or, Death Made Desirable. Luke 2:27Ff
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. ... CM The song of Simeon; or, Death made
desirable. ... How sweet my minutes roll! A mortal paleness on my cheek,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 19 the song of.htm

If You Give a Grape to Him when Hungry...
The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen. <. ... [3554] Mastruca, a garment
made of the skins of the ... [3557] Liber, a roll of parchment or papyrus ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/23 if you give a.htm

Some Hymns and Hymn-Books
... Roll round with the year,. ... Incomprehensibly made man ... Every clause in the Nicene and
in the Athanasian Creed has its parallel in our hymn-books; and if we use no ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/some hymns and hymn-books.htm

Introduction
... Poetry scattered through the historical books; again, considerable ... itself which a
great people has made in poetry ... greatest names in the world's roll of honour. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/introduction.htm

Uncorrupt Preservation of the Gospel Narratives.
... ancient form of the roll. All manuscripts written on parchment are in the form of
books with leaves. From about the eleventh century, paper made from cotton or ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter iii uncorrupt preservation of.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... arguments to show that the four preceding books came, in ... had charge of the sanctuary,
were made the keepers ... Deuteronomy was written on a separate roll ("in a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

The Original Text and Its History.
... ground of assurance that the sacred books which have ... Earnest effort has been made
to find a reliable ante ... in 1806 brought from India a synagogue-roll which he ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiv the original text.htm

The Christian's Book
... Here is the roll call, Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), Moses ... The record of the New Testament
is made to this end. ... The critical dealing with each of the books of the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vi the christians book.htm