Cushions, as referenced in the Bible, are items associated with comfort and rest, often used in domestic settings. While the term "cushion" itself is not frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, the concept of cushions or similar items can be inferred from various passages that describe seating arrangements and resting places.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, cushions were likely used in homes to provide comfort on the floor or on low seating arrangements. They were typically made from materials such as wool, linen, or leather and stuffed with wool, feathers, or other soft materials. Cushions served both practical and decorative purposes, enhancing the comfort and aesthetic of a home.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 4:38 : "But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?'" This passage provides a direct reference to a cushion, highlighting its use as a place of rest. Jesus, during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, is depicted as sleeping on a cushion in the boat, indicating the use of such items for comfort even in travel.

2. Ezekiel 13:18 : "And say that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all their wrists and make veils of every size to ensnare souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?" While this verse does not mention cushions directly, it reflects the use of fabric and textiles in various forms, which could include the making of cushions. The context here is more about deceit and false security, contrasting with the genuine comfort that cushions might provide.

3. Amos 6:4 : "You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves." This passage, while not explicitly mentioning cushions, describes a scene of luxury and comfort, where couches and beds would likely be adorned with cushions to enhance the opulence and ease of those reclining.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In biblical times, the use of cushions would have been a sign of wealth and comfort. The common people might have used simple mats or woven fabrics, while the wealthy could afford more elaborate and comfortable cushions. The presence of cushions in a household could indicate a level of prosperity and attention to domestic comfort.

Cushions also played a role in hospitality, an important cultural value in the biblical world. Providing guests with comfortable seating or resting places was a way to honor and show respect to visitors, reflecting the host's generosity and care.

Symbolic Meaning:

In a symbolic sense, cushions can represent rest, peace, and security. The image of Jesus sleeping on a cushion during a storm can be seen as a metaphor for divine peace amidst life's tempests. Cushions, therefore, can be seen as a symbol of God's provision of comfort and rest for His people.

Overall, while not a major theme in the Bible, the concept of cushions contributes to the understanding of daily life, hospitality, and comfort in biblical times, offering insights into the cultural and social practices of the era.

While Vergilius, Going Slowly, was Thinking of These Things...
... "Now, when he enters," said the girl, turning to the Lady Lucia, "I shall bring
him here at once and sit down by this heap of cushions, and then"Oh, god of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 7 while vergilius going.htm

Rachel's Refuge
... Masanath was comfortably pillowed on cushions, close to the Israelite. ... Immediately
Rachel began to tremble and, sinking back on her cushions, hid her face. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxii rachels refuge.htm

Whom the Lady Miriam Sent
... After a time he brought in a couch-like divan, dressed it with fringed linen and
strewed it with cushions; next, he suspended a cluster of lamps from the center ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvi whom the lady.htm

Arria Met them in the Atrium. ...
... She wore a tunic of the color of violets, with not a jewel. Now she led
her lover to a heap of yellow cushions in the triclinium. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 10 arria met them.htm

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... Hence it is well said through the prophet, Woe unto them that sew cushions under
every elbow, and make pillows under the head of every stature to catch souls ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

But Let There Be, as You Wish, Honour in Wine and in Incense...
... [4922] The lectisternium of Ceres [4923] will be on the next Ides, for the gods
have couches; and that they may be able to lie on softer cushions, the pillows ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/32 but let there be.htm

It was Near the Middle Hour of the Night. ...
... When both had gone, this prince of Judea walked across the inner hall of his
palace and flung himself on the cushions of a great divan. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 8 it was near.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... If there are two cushions' (divans), the next worthiest reclines above him, at his
left hand; if there are three cushions, the third worthiest lies below him ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

A Friend for the Sorrowful
... They lay down on their left side, and they had cushions to put their elbows on,
so that they could raise themselves up while they were eating. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vii a friend for.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... She could recline comfortably in it, supported by cushions, when visited by friends,
and the latter sat round her on the edge of the coverlet. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Cushions (5 Occurrences)
...Cushions (5 Occurrences). Proverbs 7:16 My bed is covered with cushions of needlework,
with coloured cloths of the cotton thread of Egypt; (BBE). ...
/c/cushions.htm - 8k

Cushion (3 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To furnish with cushions; as, to cushion a chaise. ... These cushions formed
the divan, often the only article of furniture in an oriental reception room. ...
/c/cushion.htm - 9k

Needlework (23 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE). Proverbs 7:16 My bed is covered with cushions of needlework,
with coloured cloths of the cotton thread of Egypt; (BBE). ...
/n/needlework.htm - 14k

Silk (4 Occurrences)
... AV, "in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch;" RV, "in the corner of
a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed" (marg., "in Damascus on a bed"). ...
/s/silk.htm - 12k

Cushite (15 Occurrences)

/c/cushite.htm - 14k

Tassel (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions, to curtains,
and the like, ending in a tuft of loose threads or cords. ...
/t/tassel.htm - 9k

Rescues (10 Occurrences)
... lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the children of Israel be rescued
who sit in Samaria on the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed ...
/r/rescues.htm - 9k

Rescueth (5 Occurrences)
... lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the children of Israel be rescued
that sit in Samaria in the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a ...
/r/rescueth.htm - 7k

Bolster (7 Occurrences)
... 13:18, 20 another Hebrew word (kesathoth) is used, properly denoting "cushions"
or "pillows," as so rendered both in the Authorized and the Revised Version. ...
/b/bolster.htm - 12k

Cotton (3 Occurrences)
... (See JPS YLT RSV). Proverbs 7:16 My bed is covered with cushions of needlework,
with coloured cloths of the cotton thread of Egypt; (BBE YLT). ...
/c/cotton.htm - 8k

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