Topical Bible: Books: Often Written on Both Sides

◄ Books: Often Written on Both Sides ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of books and scrolls was integral to the recording and transmission of divine revelation, legal documents, and historical records. The practice of writing on both sides of a scroll or book is mentioned in several instances within the Bible, symbolizing completeness, fullness, or the comprehensive nature of the message contained therein.

Ezekiel's Vision of the Scroll

One of the most vivid depictions of a book written on both sides is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 2:9-10 , the prophet describes a vision where he sees a scroll: "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 scroll, written on both sides, signifies the totality of the message of judgment and lamentation that God was delivering to the people of Israel through Ezekiel. The dual-sided writing underscores the completeness of the divine message, leaving no room for omission or alteration.

The Scroll in Revelation

Another significant reference to a book written on both sides is found in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:1 , the Apostle John describes a vision of a scroll in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne: "Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals." This scroll represents the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and the judgments to come. The writing on both sides indicates the thoroughness and finality of God's decrees, as well as the comprehensive nature of the divine plan that is to be revealed through the breaking of the seals.

Symbolism and Significance

The imagery of books or scrolls written on both sides carries deep symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It often signifies the exhaustive nature of God's word and His sovereign will. In a time when writing materials were precious and space was limited, a scroll written on both sides would be seen as containing a message of utmost importance and urgency. This imagery serves to remind believers of the completeness and sufficiency of God's revelation, as well as the seriousness with which His messages of judgment and redemption should be received.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, writing on both sides of a scroll was not a common practice due to the physical limitations of the materials used. Papyrus and parchment, the primary writing materials of the time, were typically inscribed on one side to preserve the integrity of the text. However, when a message was of significant importance or when space was constrained, scribes would utilize both sides of the material. This practice is reflected in the biblical accounts, where the dual-sided writing serves as a literary device to emphasize the weight and completeness of the divine message.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of books written on both sides reinforces the belief in the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. It highlights the idea that God's word is complete and all-encompassing, providing everything necessary for faith and practice. The dual-sided scrolls in Ezekiel and Revelation serve as powerful reminders of God's comprehensive plan for humanity, encompassing both judgment and salvation. These images call believers to a deeper reverence for the Scriptures and a recognition of the fullness of God's revealed truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 2:10
And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Apocalypse.
... but others reckon among the acknowledged books" (Hist. ... in a like situation would
have written pure Attic ... from the old Hebrew prophets, often spiritualized and ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxii the apocalypse.htm

Witnessing in Power.
... And then notice, the verse following, quoted so often out of its connection. ... Have
I to read all the infidel books that are written, to hear both sides? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm

Prolegomena
... Origen upon the Heptateuch or 1st seven books of Scripture ... no reason to suppose,
as has been often done, that ... Jerusalem we gather that John had written to him ...
/.../life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /prolegomena.htm

Excursus on the Condemnation of Pope Honorius.
... Volumes on each side have been written on this ... Gratry's "Letters," or Littledale's
controversial books against Rome ... of Baronius's view has been often exposed by ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the condemnation of.htm

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
... It has often been brought low, but never has been, never ... It is written, and must
be fulfilled, the wicked shall ... when the Judge shall appear, the books be opened ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxviii king of kings.htm

The Deists.
... the charge in one of the wildest, craziest books that ever ... Annet be called a Deist,
though he is often ranked in ... and marred most of the works written on both ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter iii the deists.htm

The Introduction, and Exhortation to Demetrianus.
... from this little book which I have written to you ... adversary of ours is, and also
often violent, as ... sufficiently expressed this subject in those books which you ...
/.../on the workmanship of god/chap i the introduction and exhortation.htm

The New Testament Immediately Emancipated Itself from the ...
... No one has yet written the history of the ... concerning the origin of particular books
conducted by a ... not, however, altogether progressive; much more often it was ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 1 the new testament.htm

'The Chief Corner-Stone'
... in the twelve foundations of which were written the names ... the origin and composition
of the books of the ... rigid observance of ordinances and which often led to ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the chief corner-stone.htm

The Preacher as a Man of the Word.
... message might arouse bitter opposition, and often did so ... place, with only a few words
written on it ... attractive and impressive.[25] The prophetic books are almost ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iv the preacher as.htm