Clasps in the Bible are primarily mentioned in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. These clasps served a functional and symbolic purpose, reflecting the meticulous design and divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Biblical References:

The primary references to clasps are found in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle. In Exodus 26:6, the clasps are described as part of the construction of the Tabernacle's curtains: "Make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle will be a unit" . These gold clasps were used to join the curtains made of fine twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, creating a unified and sacred space for worship.

Further instructions are given in Exodus 26:11, where bronze clasps are mentioned: "Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit" . These bronze clasps were used for the outer covering of the tent, made of goat hair, which provided additional protection and insulation.

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of clasps in the Tabernacle construction holds both practical and symbolic significance. Practically, the clasps ensured that the various curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle were securely fastened, allowing the structure to be portable and easily assembled or disassembled as the Israelites traveled. Symbolically, the clasps represent unity and cohesion within the sacred space, reflecting the unity of the people of Israel under God's covenant.

The materials used for the clasps—gold and bronze—also carry symbolic weight. Gold, a precious and pure metal, is often associated with divinity and holiness, fitting for the inner sanctuary where God's presence dwelt. Bronze, a durable and strong metal, was used for the outer coverings, symbolizing protection and endurance.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the clasps in the Tabernacle construction can be seen as a reflection of God's desire for order, beauty, and unity among His people. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, including the clasps, demonstrate God's involvement in the worship practices of the Israelites and His provision for a place where He could dwell among them.

Moreover, the clasps' role in joining the curtains together can be viewed as a metaphor for the unity of the body of believers. Just as the clasps held the Tabernacle together as one unit, so too are believers called to be united in faith and purpose, forming a spiritual house where God's presence resides.

In summary, clasps in the biblical narrative serve as a reminder of the intricate design and divine purpose behind the Tabernacle, highlighting themes of unity, holiness, and God's covenantal relationship with His people.CLASPS

klasps (qerec): The word occurs nine times in Exodus 26; 36, 39; which record the specifications for the erection of the tabernacle and their subsequent carrying out. In each of these passages the King James Version renders "taches"-an early English word of French origin now embodied in our "attachment." 50 clasps or taches of gold were ordered to be used in connecting together the two sets of inner tapestry curtains (10 in number) of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:6), and 50 clasps of brass (bronze) were similarly to be used in joining the two sets of goats' hair curtains (11 in number) which formed the outer covering (Exodus 26:11). See TABERNACLE. As to the nature of the clasp itself, it seems to have belonged to a double set of loops, opposite to each other, to one of which in each set, required to be of blue cord, a gold or brass button or pin was attached, which, being inserted into the loop opposite, kept the curtain in position (Exodus 26:4-6).

A difficulty arises from the direction in Exodus 26:33 that the veil which divided the "dwelling" into two parts-the holy place and the most holy-was to be suspended "under the clasps." If the clasps are supposed to be midway in the total length of the tabernacle, this would make the two holy places to be of equal size, contrary to the usual assumption that the outer was twice the length of the inner. The term "under" must therefore be used with some latitude, or the ordinary conception of the arrangement of the curtains, or of the size of the holy places will have to be revised (the dimensions are not actually given in the description).

W. Shaw Caldecott

7165. qeres -- a hook
... 7164, 7165. qeres. 7166 . a hook. Transliteration: qeres Phonetic Spelling:
(keh'-res) Short Definition: clasps. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/7165.htm - 6k

How Love Effects the Union of the Soul with God in Prayer.
... And see the mother, reciprocally, how, receiving it she clasps it, and as it were
glues it to her bosom, and joining her mouth to its mouth kisses it. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i how love effects.htm

Of the Various Degrees of the Holy Union which is Made in Prayer.
... Sometimes we co-operate, when, being drawn, we willingly run, [319] to second the
force of God's goodness which draws us and clasps us to him by love. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii of the various.htm

Fear and Faith
... as some half-drowned, shipwrecked sailor, flung up on the beach, clasps a point
of rock, and is safe from the power of the waves that beat around him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm

The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler
... One arm, Humility, takes hold upon His dear. Humanity; the other, Love,. Clasps
His Divinity. So where I go,. He goes; and better fire-walled Hell with Him. ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/title page.htm

The Symbols of the Republic.
... It clasps regions yet raw in history as well as those that are grey with tradition,
and incloses in one empire the bones of the Siberian mammoth and the ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse iv the symbols of.htm

Rendering Our Account.
... The dying hero clasps the hand of his friend, and murmurs, "Now I am satisfied;
thank God, I have done my duty." Brethren, our ending of this life must be like ...
/.../sermon xliv rendering our account.htm

Testimony of the Poets to the Unity of God.
... "Seest thou on high him who, with humid arms,. Clasps both the boundless ether
and the earth? Him reckon Zeus, and him regard as God." [711]. ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter v testimony of the poets.htm

Devotion to God.
... I am glad we can be. It is pleasant to feel in our hearts an ardent desire
to love God more. A fond mother clasps her babe to her bosom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/devotion to god.htm

The Tribunal of Caiphas.
... embroidered in flowers and trimmed with golden fringe; it was fastened at the shoulders
and on the chest, besides being ornamented in the front with gold clasps ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter vii the tribunal of.htm

The Seventh Beatitude
... significance to that name 'peacemaker,' we shall find that this grace worthily
completes the whole linked series, and is the very jewel which clasps the whole ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the seventh beatitude.htm

Clasps (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLASPS. klasps (qerec): The word occurs nine
times in Exodus 26; 36, 39; which record the specifications ...
/c/clasps.htm - 10k

Unit (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 26:6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains
one to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. ...
/u/unit.htm - 8k

Fasten (28 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Exodus 26:6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains
one to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. ...
/f/fasten.htm - 14k

Fifty (131 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one
to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. ...
/f/fifty.htm - 39k

Couple (19 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one
to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. ...
/c/couple.htm - 14k

Curtains (34 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one
to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. ...
/c/curtains.htm - 17k

Copper (55 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:11 And thou shalt make fifty clasps of copper, and put the clasps into
the loops, and couple the tent, that it may be one whole. (DBY). ...
/c/copper.htm - 27k

Loops (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:11 You shall make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into
the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. ...
/l/loops.htm - 8k

Ephod (45 Occurrences)
... The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called
superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and fastened ...
/e/ephod.htm - 27k

Bars (50 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:11 the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards,
its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV ...
/b/bars.htm - 22k

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