In biblical times, lodges were temporary shelters or dwellings often used by travelers, shepherds, or those engaged in agricultural activities. The concept of a lodge is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting both literal and metaphorical uses.

Old Testament References

1. Agricultural Context: In Isaiah 1:8, the prophet uses the imagery of a lodge to describe the desolation of Jerusalem: "The Daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege." . Here, the lodge or hut represents a temporary and vulnerable structure, emphasizing the precarious state of the city.

2. Shepherds and Travelers: Lodges were commonly used by shepherds and travelers who needed temporary shelter while tending to their flocks or journeying through the land. These structures were often simple and made from available materials, providing basic protection from the elements.

3. Symbol of Transience: The use of lodges in the Old Testament often symbolizes the transient nature of human life and endeavors. Just as a lodge is not a permanent dwelling, so too are human achievements and earthly life seen as temporary in the grand narrative of God's eternal plan.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention lodges, the concept of temporary dwelling places aligns with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles regarding the transient nature of earthly life. Believers are often reminded that their true citizenship is in heaven, and earthly dwellings are temporary.

Spiritual Implications

1. Pilgrimage and Sojourning: The idea of lodges ties into the broader biblical theme of life as a pilgrimage. Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of the patriarchs as strangers and exiles on the earth, seeking a homeland. This reflects the understanding that believers are on a spiritual journey, with their ultimate home being with God.

2. Reliance on God: The temporary nature of lodges serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God rather than on material security. Just as the Israelites depended on God for provision during their wilderness journey, believers are called to trust in God's provision and guidance.

3. Metaphor for the Church: In a metaphorical sense, the church can be seen as a lodge—a temporary gathering of believers on earth, united in faith and purpose, awaiting the eternal kingdom of God. This perspective encourages Christians to focus on spiritual growth and community, rather than on earthly permanence.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, lodges were practical and necessary for those engaged in seasonal work or long journeys. They were often constructed quickly and dismantled easily, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of many biblical figures. Understanding the cultural significance of lodges provides insight into the daily lives of people in biblical times and the spiritual lessons derived from their experiences.

Overall, the concept of lodges in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of the temporary nature of earthly life and the believer's journey toward eternal communion with God.3885a. lun -- to lodge, pass the night, abide
... Usage abide (2), dwell (1), endure (1), gazes (1), hang all night (1), last (1),
left over (1), lies all night (2), lodge (9), lodged (6), lodges (3), night (2 ...
/hebrew/3885a.htm - 6k

The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat.
... And if anything be deficient there in the house in which the King lodges, the keeper
of the house is delivered over to death, because he did not make ready the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/the demonstrations of aphrahat.htm

Rationalism and Its Effects
... That before this date there were a few scattered lodges in England, Scotland, and
Ireland, and that these lodges were the sole remaining relics of a peculiar ...
/.../chapter viii rationalism and its.htm

Prayer and the Word of God (Continued)
... Although the word lodges in their hearts and begins to sprout, yet all is lost,
chiefly because there is no prayer or watchfulness or cultivation following. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiii prayer and the word.htm

The Problem of Evil
... a totally evil thing would be simply non-existent, and thus the evil in the world,
wherever it becomes complete, annihilates itself and that wherein it lodges. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolt/dionysius the areopagite/iv the problem of evil.htm

The Dying News Boy
... A few boys gathered around the poor lad, and asked in a kind way (for a street Arab):
"Say, Johnny, why don't you go to the lodges?" (The lodge was a place ...
/.../shaw/touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/the dying news boy.htm

The Basis of the United Lutheran Church in the United States.
... of degrees of doctrinal attachment to the Lutheran Standards and ritual observances,
in part on matters of practical import such as membership in lodges and in ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/the basis of the united.htm

'Forgive us Our Debts'
... That graver aspect of our faults as being sins may seem a gloomy thought, but it
is really one full of blessing, for it lodges the true power of remission of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/forgive us our debts.htm

"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell ...
... a Christian who prefers this more excellent part, and employs his study and time
about it, and regards his body only for the noble guest that lodges within it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxx but if the.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... But "who can say, I have made my heart pure (Proverbs 20:9.), I am clean from my
sin?" Is there any man's heart on this side of time, which lodges not many ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii now the end.htm

Paul in Rome
... The crowds in forum and amphitheatre would have laughed at any one who had pointed
to that humble 'hired house,' and said, 'There lodges a man who bears a word ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul in rome.htm

Lodges (14 Occurrences)
...Lodges (14 Occurrences). Acts 10:6 He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house
is by the seaside. ... He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. ...
/l/lodges.htm - 10k

Guardrooms (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:7 Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between
the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of ...
/g/guardrooms.htm - 8k

Cells (24 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:7 And every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space
between the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the ...
/c/cells.htm - 14k

Projecting (17 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:7 Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between
the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of ...
/p/projecting.htm - 11k

Jambs (19 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:7 And every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space
between the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the ...
/j/jambs.htm - 11k

Arches (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/a/arches.htm - 10k

Openings (27 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/o/openings.htm - 14k

Porches (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/p/porches.htm - 10k

Alcoves (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:7 Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between
the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of ...
/a/alcoves.htm - 7k

Vestibule (36 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:7 Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between
the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of ...
/v/vestibule.htm - 16k

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