Topical Encyclopedia Anklechains, also referred to as fetters or shackles, are mentioned in the Bible as instruments of restraint and adornment. These items were typically made of metal and were used in various contexts, both punitive and decorative.Biblical References: 1. Punitive Use: Anklechains were often used as a means of restraint for prisoners or captives. In the ancient Near East, it was common to bind prisoners with chains to prevent escape and to signify their subjugation. The Bible provides instances where such chains were used to bind individuals. For example, in 2 Samuel 3:34, the lament over Abner's death includes a reference to being bound with chains: "Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." This implies that Abner, though slain, was not treated as a common prisoner. 2. Decorative Use: Anklechains were also used as ornaments, particularly for women. In Isaiah 3:18-20, the prophet Isaiah lists various adornments that the daughters of Zion wore, including anklechains: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets, headbands, and crescent necklaces, the pendants, bracelets, and veils, the headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume bottles, and charms." This passage highlights the cultural practice of wearing anklechains as part of a woman's attire, symbolizing beauty and status. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, anklechains served both practical and symbolic purposes. As instruments of captivity, they represented the loss of freedom and the imposition of authority. Conversely, as items of adornment, they were symbols of wealth, beauty, and social standing. The dual use of anklechains reflects the broader biblical theme of bondage versus freedom, a motif that runs throughout Scripture. Spiritual Significance: The use of anklechains in the Bible can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual bondage and liberation. Just as physical chains bind the body, sin and spiritual oppression can bind the soul. The Bible speaks of God's power to break such chains, offering freedom and redemption to those who are spiritually captive. In Psalm 107:14, it is written, "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains." This verse underscores the hope and deliverance that God provides, breaking the chains of sin and leading His people into the light of freedom. Conclusion: Anklechains in the Bible serve as a powerful symbol of both physical and spiritual realities. Whether used as instruments of restraint or as ornaments of beauty, they remind us of the human condition and the divine promise of liberation through faith. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANKLET; ANKLE-CHAINan'-klet, an'-k'-l-chan: "Anklets" is rightly found in Isaiah 3:18 the Revised Version (British and American), and "ankle-chains" in Numbers 31:50 the Revised Version (British and American). A cognate word of essentially the same meaning is used in Isaiah 3:20, and is rendered by the King James Version "ornaments of the legs." It was these "anklets" that Isaiah represented the ladies of Jerusalem as "rattling" as they walked (Isaiah 3:16 to end), "making a tinkling with their feet"; and a part of the punishment threatened is, "The Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet" (Isaiah 3:16 the King James Version). Thesaurus Anklechain/a/anklechain.htm - 7k Ankle-chain Ankle-bones (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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