In biblical contexts, the term "hangings" often refers to decorative or functional draperies used in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These hangings were significant in the religious and cultural practices of the Israelites, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.

Tabernacle Hangings

The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. The hangings of the Tabernacle were integral to its structure and design. Exodus 26 provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the use of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn for the hangings. These materials were crafted by skilled artisans, as commanded by God to Moses:

"You are to make a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it" (Exodus 26:31).

The hangings served as partitions within the Tabernacle, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This separation underscored the holiness of God and the need for reverence in approaching Him.

Temple Hangings

In the construction of Solomon's Temple, hangings continued to play a significant role. The Temple, a more permanent structure than the Tabernacle, also utilized curtains and veils to demarcate sacred spaces. The inner sanctuary, or the Holy of Holies, was separated by a veil, similar to the Tabernacle's design. This veil symbolized the barrier between God and humanity, a barrier that was ultimately torn at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament:

"And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split" (Matthew 27:51).

Symbolism and Significance

The hangings in both the Tabernacle and the Temple were rich in symbolism. The colors and materials used were not arbitrary; they reflected the majesty and holiness of God. Blue often symbolized the heavens, purple represented royalty, and scarlet denoted sacrifice. The cherubim woven into the fabric were reminders of the divine presence and protection.

The tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Christ's death holds profound theological significance. It represents the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Judicial Hangings

In addition to their use in sacred architecture, the term "hanging" also appears in the context of judicial punishment. In the Old Testament, hanging was a method of execution or post-mortem display of executed criminals. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 provides instructions regarding the hanging of a criminal's body:

"If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, you must not leave the body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse" (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

This passage underscores the seriousness of sin and the curse associated with being hung on a tree, a concept that the Apostle Paul later connects to Christ's crucifixion in Galatians 3:13, where he writes, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'" .

In summary, hangings in the Bible serve both as elements of sacred architecture and as instruments of justice, each carrying deep spiritual and theological implications.Hangings Hanging

1. The "hanging" was a curtain or covering? to close an entrance; one was placed before the door of the tabernacle. Exod 26:36,37; 39:38
2. The "hangings"; were used for covering, the walls of the court of the tabernacles just as tapestry is used in modern times. (Exodus 27:9; 35:17; 38:9; Numbers 3:26; 4:26)

7050b. qela -- a curtain, hanging
... Word Origin from qala Definition a curtain, hanging NASB Word Usage hangings (15),
leaves (1). 7050a, 7050b. qela. 7051 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7050b.htm - 5k

The Veil Rent
... of the cherubim; there were the dimly pictured forms on the tapestry hangings; there
was ... And as we look upon that dying Man hanging on the cross, the very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the veil rent.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Between yard-arms hanging aslant and over decks, glimpses of the Nile might be ... of
four stalwart bearers, came a litter, fluttering with gay-colored hangings. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Matt. xxii. 1-14.
... For neither if any one were to adorn thy house by hanging it with golden ... so therefore
while for the city hangings are prepared of linen, for the king there is ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxix matt xxii 1-14.htm

Night
... The words came distinctly through the linen hangings. ... "Your authority?" The fat courier
flourished a document and held up a blue jewel, hanging about his neck. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiv night.htm

Vesalius the Anatomist {9}
... probably in a huge four-post bed, shrouded in stifling hangings, the heir ... monks,
are crowding the floor, peeping over each other's shoulders, hanging on the ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/vesalius the anatomist 9.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... chariotry on flying raids; the chariots, moreover, closely followed the Assyrian
type, even down to the padded bar with embroidered hangings which connected ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... was abused as a barbarian and a murderer, for having put numbers to death in cold
blood after the garrison had surrendered; and for hanging the Parliament's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

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