Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, precise measurements were essential for various aspects of daily life, including construction, trade, and religious practices. While the term "yard-stick" as understood in modern contexts does not appear in the Bible, the concept of standardized measurement is present throughout the Scriptures. The ancient Israelites used various units of measurement, such as the cubit, span, and handbreadth, which served similar purposes to modern yard-sticks.Biblical Measurements 1. Cubit: The cubit was the most common unit of length in the Bible, typically measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. It is generally considered to be about 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length. The cubit was used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 25:10, the Ark of the Covenant's dimensions are given: "They are to make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high." 2. Span: The span was another unit of measurement, approximately half a cubit or the distance from the thumb to the little finger when the hand is fully extended. In 1 Samuel 17:4, Goliath's height is described: "Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span tall." 3. Handbreadth: The handbreadth was a smaller unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the width of four fingers, or about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters). In Ezekiel 40:5, the prophet describes a vision of a temple: "And behold, there was a wall surrounding the temple area. The measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth." Significance in Scripture The use of precise measurements in the Bible underscores the importance of order, accuracy, and obedience to God's instructions. In the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, God provided specific dimensions to ensure that these sacred spaces were built according to His divine plan. This attention to detail reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the need for His people to follow His commands meticulously. Symbolic Meaning Measurements in the Bible often carry symbolic meaning, representing God's perfection and the order of creation. The precise dimensions of sacred objects and spaces serve as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for purity and precision in worship. In Revelation 21:15-17, the New Jerusalem is described with exact measurements, symbolizing the perfection and completeness of God's eternal kingdom: "The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with the rod: 12,000 stadia in length and width and height are equal. And he measured its wall: 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using." Conclusion While the Bible does not mention yard-sticks specifically, the principles of measurement and precision are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. These measurements serve not only practical purposes but also convey deeper spiritual truths about God's nature and His expectations for His people. Library Josiah and the Newly Found Law Thesaurus Yard-sticks (1 Occurrence)Yard-sticks. Yards, Yard-sticks. Yarn . Multi-Version Concordance Yard-sticks (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 19:35 Do not ... /y/yard-sticks.htm - 6k Yarn (37 Occurrences) Yards (4 Occurrences) Decisions (133 Occurrences) Questions (76 Occurrences) Weights (14 Occurrences) False (303 Occurrences) Resources How can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Yard-sticks (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 19:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |