In biblical times, the concept of a scaffold, while not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures, can be understood through its function and purpose as a temporary structure used for construction or public speaking. The term "scaffold" is often associated with platforms or stages used for various purposes, including construction, execution, or public address.

Construction and Architecture

The Bible contains numerous references to construction and building, particularly in the context of the construction of the Temple and other significant structures. While the term "scaffold" is not directly used, the need for temporary structures to aid in building projects is implied. For example, in the construction of Solomon's Temple, skilled laborers and craftsmen were employed to create a magnificent edifice for the worship of God (1 Kings 6:1-38). The use of scaffolding would have been a practical necessity for such large-scale projects, allowing workers to reach higher elevations safely.

Public Speaking and Proclamation

The concept of a scaffold as a platform for public speaking can be seen in the biblical narrative of Ezra. In Nehemiah 8:4, Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform built for the occasion as he read the Law to the people: "Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion." This platform served as a scaffold, elevating Ezra so that he could be seen and heard by the assembly, emphasizing the importance of the public proclamation of God's Word.

Execution and Judgment

In some historical contexts, scaffolds were used for public executions, serving as a place of judgment and punishment. While the Bible does not provide explicit examples of scaffolds used for this purpose, the concept of public execution is present. For instance, in the account of Haman in the Book of Esther, Haman constructs a gallows (Esther 5:14) intended for Mordecai, which ultimately becomes the instrument of his own execution (Esther 7:10). Although the term "gallows" is used, the function is similar to that of a scaffold, serving as a structure for carrying out a public sentence.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The scaffold, as a temporary structure, can also be seen as a symbol of the transient nature of human endeavors compared to the eternal purposes of God. In the construction of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), humanity's attempt to build a structure reaching the heavens was thwarted by God, illustrating the futility of human pride and ambition apart from divine guidance.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention scaffolds, their implied use in construction, public speaking, and execution provides insight into the practical and symbolic roles these structures played in biblical times. Through these examples, the scaffold serves as a reminder of the importance of God's Word, the consequences of sin, and the need for humility before the Almighty.1. (n.) A temporary structure of timber, boards, etc., for various purposes, as for supporting workmen and materials in building, for exhibiting a spectacle upon, for holding the spectators at a show, etc.

2. (n.) Specifically, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal; as, to die on the scaffold.

3. (n.) An accumulation of adherent, partly fused material forming a shelf, or dome-shaped obstruction, above the tuyeres in a blast furnace.

4. (v. t.) To furnish or uphold with a scaffold.

SCAFFOLD

skaf'-old (kiyyor): The English word is used once of Solomon's "brazen scaffold" on which he knelt at the dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 6:13).

3595. kiyyor -- pot, basin
... firepot (1), laver (9), pan (1), platform (1). hearth, laver, pan, scaffold.
Or kiyor {kee-yore'}; from the same as kuwr; properly ...
/hebrew/3595.htm - 6k

The Day of Blood at Prague.
... The condemned prisoners, half of whom were Brethren, were in the Council House:
in front of their window was the scaffold, draped in black cloth, twenty feet ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xv the day of.htm

The True Spirit of Missions.
... Effort and means have given place to horror and despair. The prospect before you
is the scaffold, the block, a yawning grave, and a dread eternity. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

The Collar of Gold
... At the summit of the wooden slope the beautiful Israelite, who had preceded her
charges, passed up the burden of each one to the Hebrews on the scaffold. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ix the collar of.htm

The Lives of Messrs. John Kid and John King.
... countenance, said, "I have often heard and read of a kid sacrificed, but I seldom
or never heard of a king made a sacrifice." Upon the scaffold they appeared ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the lives of messrs john.htm

The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail.
... strengthening of his fellow prisoners: How should he go from the tolbooth thro'
a multitude of gazing people, and guards of soldiers to a scaffold and gibbet ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr hugh 2.htm

National Days 433. Once to Every Man and Nation
... Yet 'tis truth alone is strong; Though her portion be the scaffold,. And upon
the throne be wrong,. Yet that scaffold sways the future,. ...
/.../national days 433 once to.htm

The Burning of Hus.
... In the middle of the Cathedral floor was a scaffold; on the scaffold a table and
a block of wood; on the block of wood some priestly robes. The Mass was said. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ii the burning of.htm

Open the History of America, the History of England...
... obtained, "put not your trust in princes, or in the son of man, because salvation
is not in them, but from on high." While walking to the scaffold, he stopped ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/xviii open the history of.htm

The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet.
... Being come upon the scaffold, his right hand was struck off, and a little after
his left; which he endured with great firmness and constancy. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of david hackston.htm

Liii. The Contemplation of Death.
... In the courtyard of the palace the executioner was setting up the scaffold.
And after the banquet came a grand ball, and the rooms ...
/.../liii the contemplation of death.htm

Scaffold (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Specifically, a stage or elevated platform for the execution of a criminal;
as, to die on the scaffold. ... 4. (vt) To furnish or uphold with a scaffold. ...
/s/scaffold.htm - 7k

Kneeleth (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 6:13 for Solomon hath made a scaffold of brass, and putteth it in the
midst of the court, five cubits its length, and five cubits its breadth, and ...
/k/kneeleth.htm - 6k

Knelt (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 6:13 for Solomon had made a brazen scaffold, of five cubits long, and
five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the ...
/k/knelt.htm - 12k

Kneeled (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 6:13 (for Solomon had made a bronze scaffold, five cubits long, and
five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the ...
/k/kneeled.htm - 10k

Tumble (1 Occurrence)
... and tosses. 2. (vi) To roll down; to fall suddenly and violently; to be
precipitated; as, to tumble from a scaffold. 3. (vi) To ...
/t/tumble.htm - 7k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) To get up on anything, as a platform or scaffold; especially, to seat one's
self on a horse for riding. 6. (n.) To attain in value; to amount. ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Scabs (4 Occurrences)

/s/scabs.htm - 7k

Standard (42 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The upper petal or banner of a papilionaceous corolla. 7. (n.) An upright
support, as one of the poles of a scaffold; any upright in framing. ...
/s/standard.htm - 21k

Spreadeth (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 6:13 for Solomon hath made a scaffold of brass, and putteth it in the
midst of the court, five cubits its length, and five cubits its breadth, and ...
/s/spreadeth.htm - 17k

Stage (5 Occurrences)
... or the like. 3. (n.) A floor elevated for the convenience of mechanical work,
or the like; a scaffold; a staging. 4. (n.) A platform ...
/s/stage.htm - 9k

Scaffold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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