The term "rectangular" refers to a shape or object characterized by having four sides and four right angles. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "rectangular," the concept can be inferred from descriptions of certain structures and objects mentioned in the Scriptures. The idea of rectangular shapes is often associated with order, precision, and divine design, reflecting God's nature as a God of order and purpose.

Tabernacle and Temple Design

The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, provides an early example of rectangular design in biblical architecture. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. According to Exodus 26, the Tabernacle was constructed with precise dimensions, forming a rectangular shape. The outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) were all designed with specific measurements, emphasizing the importance of order and symmetry in worship.

Similarly, the Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem followed a rectangular plan. In 1 Kings 6, the dimensions of the Temple are given, highlighting its rectangular structure. The Temple served as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Noah's Ark

Another significant example of a rectangular structure in the Bible is Noah's Ark. In Genesis 6:15, God provides Noah with specific instructions for building the Ark, including its dimensions: "The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits." This rectangular design was crucial for the Ark's stability and functionality during the Flood, demonstrating God's wisdom in providing a means of salvation for Noah and his family.

The New Jerusalem

In the Book of Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as having a geometric form that includes rectangular elements. Revelation 21:16 states, "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width." This description suggests a perfect square or cube, but the emphasis on equal dimensions reflects the order and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. The New Jerusalem represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people, characterized by divine symmetry and beauty.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The use of rectangular shapes in biblical descriptions often carries symbolic and theological significance. Rectangular structures, such as the Tabernacle and the Temple, represent God's covenantal relationship with His people and His desire for orderly worship. The precise measurements and design reflect God's holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and obedience.

In a broader sense, the concept of rectangularity in the Bible can be seen as a metaphor for the stability and reliability of God's promises. Just as a rectangular structure provides a firm foundation, so too does God's Word provide a solid basis for faith and life. The careful design of these biblical structures underscores the importance of following God's instructions and trusting in His perfect plan.(a.) Right-angled; having one or more angles of ninety degrees.5068. tetragonos -- a tetrarch (the governor of a fourth part of a ...
... rectangular, foursquare. From tessares and gonia; four-cornered, ie Square --
foursquare. see GREEK tessares. see GREEK gonia. (tetragonos) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5068.htm - 6k

The Great Mysteries in the Building of the Militant and Triumphant ...
... And the rock was more lofty than the mountains, rectangular in shape, so as to be
capable of containing the whole world: and that rock was old, having a gate ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/similitude ninth the great mysteries.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... 2. MARY'S HOUSE IN EPHESUS. Mary's house was built of rectangular stones, rounded
or pointed at the back. The windows were high up near the flat roof. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Shield of Faith
... word is connected with the Greek word meaning 'door,' and gives a rough notion of
the look of the instrument of defence"a great rectangular oblong, behind ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the shield of faith.htm

The Synagogue.
... 1. The building was a plain, rectangular ball of no peculiar style of architecture,
and in its inner arrangement somewhat resembling the Tabernacle and the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 51 the synagogue.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... In front of the basilica is a wide rectangular court bordered with terraces; a portico
at the far end; and in the middle four large fountains to water the walk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

Meditation ii. The Supper-Room.
... A stone bench raised on three steps, and of a rectangular triangular shape, came
out of the wall; it must have constituted the upper part of the oven used for ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation ii the supper-room.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... inside. These rectangular chambers were of various sizes and were surrounded
by walls two or three yards in thickness. Contemporary ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Jesus at Capernaum.
... At that time each town had its synagogue, or place of meeting. This was a rectangular
room, rather small, with a portico, decorated in the Greek style. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter viii jesus at capernaum.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The towns were not enclosed within those square or rectangular enclosures with
which the engineers of the Pharaohs fortified their strongholds. ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... This projection is flanked right and left by rectangular grooves, similar to those
which ornament the facades of the fortresses and brick houses of the Ancient ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Rectangular (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Right-angled; having one or more angles of ninety
degrees. Multi-Version Concordance Rectangular (2 Occurrences). ...
/r/rectangular.htm - 7k

Wedge (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A solid of five sides, having a rectangular base, two rectangular or
trapezoidal sides meeting in an edge, and two triangular ends. ...
/w/wedge.htm - 10k

Brick (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A block or clay tempered with water, sand, etc., molded into a regular form,
usually rectangular, and sun-dried, or burnt in a kiln, or in a heap or ...
/b/brick.htm - 15k

Tower (74 Occurrences)
... According to all accounts, and judging from the ruins of the various erections extant
in those countries, Babylonian towers were always rectangular, built in ...
/t/tower.htm - 52k

Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)
... The tabernacle was a rectangular enclosure, in length about 45 feet (ie, reckoning
a cubit at 18 inches) and in breadth and height about 15. ...
/t/tabernacle.htm - 101k

Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A flat-faced fulling hammer. 3. (n.) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular
orifice, for drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc. ...
/f/flatter.htm - 8k

Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... notice. They are clay tablets. Nearly all are brick tablets, ie rectangular,
flat tablets varying in size from 2 X 2 1/2 in. to ...
/t/tablets.htm - 41k

Recurrent (1 Occurrence)

/r/recurrent.htm - 6k

Re-crossed (1 Occurrence)
Re-crossed. Re-creating, Re-crossed. Rectangular . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Re-creating, Re-crossed. Rectangular . Reference Bible.
/r/re-crossed.htm - 6k

Reservoir (1 Occurrence)
... Smaller pools of rectangular shape and usually much wider than deep, having no
connection with water courses, are built in towns to receive rain from the roofs ...
/r/reservoir.htm - 12k

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