Topical Encyclopedia The term "span" is a unit of measurement used in ancient times, particularly in the context of the Bible. It is a measure of length that is based on the human hand, specifically the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. This measurement is approximately nine inches or about 22 centimeters, though it could vary slightly depending on the individual.In the Bible, the span is often used to convey the idea of smallness or brevity, emphasizing the limited nature of human life and achievements in comparison to the eternal and infinite nature of God. The span is mentioned in several passages, illustrating its use as a practical measure in everyday life as well as a metaphorical tool in biblical teachings. One notable reference to the span is found in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, where precise measurements were crucial. For instance, in Exodus 28:16, the breastpiece of judgment worn by the High Priest is described: "It is to be square when folded over, a span long and a span wide." This indicates the use of the span as a standard unit of measurement in the detailed instructions given by God for the construction of sacred objects. The span is also used metaphorically in the Psalms to express the fleeting nature of human life. Psalm 39:5 states, "You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." Here, the span, or handbreadth, is used to illustrate the brevity and fragility of human existence in contrast to the eternal nature of God. In the prophetic literature, the span is employed to convey the vastness of God's creation and His sovereign control over it. Isaiah 40:12 asks, "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of His hand?" This rhetorical question highlights God's immense power and the insignificance of human measures when compared to His divine capabilities. The use of the span in the Bible serves both practical and symbolic purposes, reflecting the cultural context of the ancient Near East while also conveying deeper theological truths. It underscores the limitations of human understanding and the greatness of God, inviting believers to trust in His eternal wisdom and sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:16Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 17:4 Library Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ... The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. John Chapter viii. 31-36 Chapter vi The Necessity of Actual Grace Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... The Desire of the Righteous Granted; An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about stalking? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view gun control? | GotQuestions.org Measures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Measures of Length: Handbreadth Measures of Liquids and Solids: Bath or Ephah Measures of Liquids and Solids: Cab Measures of Liquids and Solids: Firkin Measures of Liquids and Solids: Hin Measures of Liquids and Solids: Homer or Cor Measures of Liquids and Solids: Log Measures of Liquids and Solids: Omer or Tenth-Deal (The Tenth of an Ephah) Measures were Regulated by the Standard of the Sanctuary Measures: (Correcting in Measure) of Mitigated Afflictions Measures: (Drinking Tears in Great Measure) of Severe Afflictions Measures: (Drinking Water, by Measure) of Severe Famine Measures: (Measuring the Dust of the Earth) of God's Greatness Measures: (Opening the Mouth Without Measure) the Insatiableness Measures: (The Measure of Our Days) the Shortness of Life Measures: (The Measure of the Stature of Christ) Perfection Measures: (Weighing the Waters in a Measure) God's Infinite Measures: Distances Measured by Rods and Lines Measures: The Jews not to be Unjust In Measures: The Jews often Used Unjust Measures: Unjust, an Abomination to God Related Terms |
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