In biblical architecture and symbolism, overhangs can be understood as structures or features that extend beyond the main body of a building or object, providing shelter, protection, or shade. While the term "overhang" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept can be inferred from various passages and descriptions of ancient structures and natural formations.

Biblical Architecture and Overhangs

1. Tabernacle and Temple Design: The design of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem included elements that could be considered overhangs. The intricate details and extensions of these sacred spaces were intended to reflect the glory and majesty of God. For instance, the coverings and curtains of the Tabernacle provided protection and separation from the outside world, symbolizing God's holiness and the need for purity when approaching Him.

2. Solomon's Temple: In the construction of Solomon's Temple, there were various architectural features that extended outward, such as the porticos and colonnades. These structures not only added to the grandeur of the Temple but also served practical purposes, such as providing shelter for worshippers. In 1 Kings 6:3, the Bible describes the portico in front of the main hall of the Temple, which was twenty cubits long and ten cubits deep, serving as an overhanging structure.

3. Protection and Shelter: Overhangs in biblical times were often used to provide protection from the elements. In the harsh climates of the Middle East, shade was a valuable commodity. Structures with overhangs offered relief from the sun and rain, symbolizing God's provision and care for His people. Psalm 121:5-6 states, "The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night," illustrating the protective nature of God's presence, akin to an overhang.

Symbolic Interpretations

1. Divine Protection: Overhangs can symbolize God's protective covering over His people. Just as an overhang shields from the sun and rain, God's presence offers refuge and safety. This is echoed in Psalm 91:1 , "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

2. Spiritual Shelter: The concept of an overhang can also be seen in the spiritual shelter that God provides. In Isaiah 4:6 , it is written, "It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain." This passage highlights the protective and comforting role of God's presence, much like an overhang offers physical protection.

3. Jesus as the Ultimate Shelter: In the New Testament, Jesus is often depicted as the ultimate source of protection and refuge for believers. In Matthew 23:37 , Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling." This imagery of gathering under wings can be likened to the sheltering aspect of an overhang, emphasizing Jesus' desire to protect and care for His followers.

Natural Overhangs

1. Caves and Rock Formations: Natural overhangs, such as caves and rock formations, are also mentioned in the Bible. These natural shelters provided refuge for individuals in times of danger or distress. For example, David sought refuge in the cave of Adullam when fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1). Such natural overhangs served as places of safety and retreat, symbolizing God's provision in times of need.

2. Symbol of Refuge: The imagery of God as a rock or fortress is prevalent throughout Scripture, often associated with the idea of a protective overhang. In Psalm 18:2 , David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge." This metaphor underscores the security and stability found in God's protection, akin to the shelter provided by a rock overhang.

In summary, while the specific term "overhang" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in both architectural and symbolic contexts, illustrating God's protective and sheltering nature.

The High Woods
... The air was heavy with the fragrance of the Bauhinias, and after I passed the great
Australian Blue-gum which overhangs the road, and the Wallaba-tree, {120a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

The Primeval Hovering of the Spirit of God Over the Waters Typical ...
... over borrowed a holiness, since it is necessary that in every case an underlying
material substance should catch the quality of that which overhangs it, most ...
/.../tertullian/on baptism/chapter iv the primeval hovering of.htm

The Exercise of Mercy Optional with God.
... Great uncertainty overhangs the doctrine of the Divine mercy, from the position
of natural religion, and it is only within the province of revealed truth that ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the exercise of mercy optional.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... When the dark cloud of tribulation overhangs the parent's heart; when the overwhelming
storm of misfortune rages around his habitation, uprooting his hopes and ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

Footnotes
... [37] "Sinai and Palestine," p.165. [38] "On the wild uplands," says Mr Stanley,
"which immediately overhangs the village, He finally withdrew from the eyes of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/footnotes.htm

James v. 1-6
... The rust eats into their own flesh, inasmuch as it is a token of their own
perishableness and of the judgment that overhangs them; as they, instead of ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james v 6-jan.htm

"Again, on a Certain Day, after He had Sat Down on that Wooden ...
... which you all know), placed in the small open court which surrounded his abode,
he perceived two demons sitting on the lofty rock which overhangs the monastery ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xv again on a.htm

A Little Maid
... have ever been in a house where some one is very ill and likely to die, or some
terrible accident has occurred, you have felt what a gloom overhangs it, and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm

The Sinfulness of Original Sin.
... good." (Genesis 1:31). We acknowledge the mystery that overhangs the union
and connection of all men with the first man. We know that ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sinfulness of original sin.htm

The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
... question in the affirmative, without any hesitation or ambiguity, the apostle Paul
has in reality cleared up most of the darkness that overhangs the future ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the future state a self-conscious.htm

Overhangs (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Overhangs (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 41:26 And there
were sloping windows and palm-trees on one side and on ...
/o/overhangs.htm - 6k

Overhanging (6 Occurrences)

/o/overhanging.htm - 8k

Over-hard (2 Occurrences)
Over-hard. Overhangs, Over-hard. Overhead . Multi-Version Concordance
Over-hard (2 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Overhangs, Over-hard. Overhead . Reference
/o/over-hard.htm - 7k

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel. They are obscure and enigmatical. A cloudy mystery overhangs them
which it is almost impossible to penetrate. Jerome calls ...
/e/ezekiel.htm - 45k

Darkness (177 Occurrences)
... 30:18). The "day of darkness" in Joel 2:2, caused by clouds of locusts, is a
symbol of the obscurity which overhangs all divine proceedings. ...
/d/darkness.htm - 41k

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