In biblical times, the concept of a "mattress" as understood in the modern sense did not exist. However, references to sleeping arrangements and bedding can be found throughout the Scriptures, providing insight into the practices and materials used for rest and sleep in ancient Israel and surrounding cultures.

Biblical References and Context

1. Bedding Materials: In the Bible, bedding often consisted of simple materials such as mats, blankets, or cloaks. These could be spread on the ground or on a raised platform. In Exodus 22:26-27, the cloak is mentioned as a covering used for sleeping: "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because it is his only covering, his cloak for his body. What else will he sleep in?"

2. Portable Beds: The concept of a portable bed or mat is evident in several New Testament accounts. In Mark 2:11-12, Jesus heals a paralytic and instructs him, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home." This indicates that mats were used as simple, transportable sleeping surfaces.

3. Rest and Comfort: The Bible often uses the imagery of rest and sleep to convey spiritual truths. In Psalm 4:8, the psalmist expresses trust in God for safety and rest: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as the provider of true rest and security.

4. Cultural Practices: In the ancient Near East, sleeping arrangements varied based on social status and wealth. Wealthier individuals might have had more elaborate bedding, while the poor used simple mats or cloaks. The account of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:10, who prepared a room with a bed for the prophet Elisha, suggests that beds were considered a sign of hospitality and respect.

5. Symbolism of Rest: The Bible often uses the concept of rest as a metaphor for spiritual peace and salvation. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This invitation highlights the deeper spiritual rest that transcends physical comfort.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological findings from ancient Israel and surrounding regions provide additional context for understanding biblical references to sleeping arrangements. Excavations have uncovered simple wooden frames, mats made of reeds or rushes, and woven textiles that were likely used as bedding. These findings align with the biblical descriptions of portable and modest sleeping arrangements.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of rest and sleep extends beyond physical comfort to encompass spiritual well-being. The Scriptures emphasize that true rest is found in a relationship with God, who provides peace and security. This theological perspective underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, both in daily life and in the promise of eternal rest.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention "mattresses" as we know them today, it provides a rich tapestry of references to sleeping arrangements that reflect the cultural, historical, and spiritual dimensions of rest in the biblical world.

Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms.
... Many were too ill to walk, and were brought on little beds or mattresses and laid
at Jesus's feet, and there they were healed if they but touched the hem of ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv walking the wavesthe.htm

Prayer Taught and Encouraged.
... room. The pallets, or thin mattresses, are spread upon the divan, or raised
platform, which passes around the room next to the wall. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxvi prayer taught and encouraged.htm

Wesley Clothes French Prisoners
... there was the greatest want. Soon after, the Corporation of Bristol sent
a large quantity of mattresses and blankets. And it was not ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley clothes french prisoners.htm

Book xi. Epistle i. To John, Abbot.
... We have also given money for the purchase of mattresses and for their transport,
which we beg thy Love not to disdain, but to supply them to the place for ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/book xi epistle i to.htm

Letter xxxviii. To Marcella.
... a veil. In those days the softest feather-bed seemed hard to her, and
she could scarcely find rest on a pile of mattresses. Now ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxviii to marcella.htm

The Record of a Quaker Conscience
... attendants. Hard beds are healthy, but I query cannot the result be defeated
by the degree? Our mattresses are boards. Only the ...
/.../the record of a quaker.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... sun. The floor of the waggon was spread with mattresses, and, thus furnished,
it served them for parlor, kitchen, and lodging-room. ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... college.20. The students shall lie on mattresses, not on feather beds, because
we believe the mattresses to be more healthy.21. The ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

Our Deliverance from the Boxers (1900)
... The whole party was lying on the bare earthen floor, practically without bedding
or mattresses. A word concerning the experiences of Mr. ""and Paul. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/v our deliverance from the.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... The house consisted of two rooms, and we were offered the use of one of them; they
furnished us with mattresses laid upon a sort of dresser, where we slept ...
/.../chapter xii the third continental.htm

Mattresses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mattresses (1 Occurrence). Acts 5:15 They even
carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on ...
/m/mattresses.htm - 6k

Bedchamber (6 Occurrences)
... An apartment in Eastern houses, furnished with a slightly elevated platform at the
upper end and sometimes along the sides, on which were laid mattresses. ...
/b/bedchamber.htm - 20k

Bed-chamber (6 Occurrences)
... An apartment in Eastern houses, furnished with a slightly elevated platform at the
upper end and sometimes along the sides, on which were laid mattresses. ...
/b/bed-chamber.htm - 9k

Mature (11 Occurrences)

/m/mature.htm - 10k

Overshadow (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/o/overshadow.htm - 7k

Wool (34 Occurrences)
... see TANNER). This is washed in many changes of water and used for stuffing
mattresses, quilts, etc., but not for weaving. Gideon ...
/w/wool.htm - 21k

Extent (15 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/e/extent.htm - 11k

Mattress (3 Occurrences)

/m/mattress.htm - 7k

Pallets (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/p/pallets.htm - 6k

Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... in a single sleeping-room for the whole family, often without a separate bed, then
with "beds" that were simply wadded quilts, or thin mattresses, and mats for ...
/b/bedstead.htm - 18k

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