Scrolls, as ancient writing materials, hold significant importance in biblical history and literature. They were the primary medium for recording sacred texts, legal documents, and other writings in the ancient Near East, including the Hebrew Scriptures. The use of scrolls is well-documented throughout the Bible, reflecting their central role in the transmission and preservation of God's Word.

Materials and Construction

Scrolls were typically made from papyrus or parchment. Papyrus, derived from the papyrus plant, was commonly used in Egypt and surrounding regions. Parchment, made from animal skins, was more durable and became increasingly popular over time. Scrolls were constructed by joining sheets of these materials together and rolling them around a stick or rod. The text was written in columns, and the scroll was unrolled as it was read.

Biblical References

The Bible contains numerous references to scrolls, underscoring their importance in religious and cultural contexts. In the Old Testament, scrolls are often associated with the Law and the Prophets. For instance, in Exodus 24:7, Moses reads from the "Book of the Covenant" to the people: "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, 'We will do all that the LORD has spoken; we will obey.'" This passage highlights the scroll's role in covenantal ceremonies and the communication of divine commandments.

The prophet Jeremiah also references scrolls in his ministry. In Jeremiah 36, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to write all the words He has spoken to him on a scroll. This scroll is later read to the people and the king, demonstrating the scroll's function as a vehicle for prophetic messages and divine warnings.

In the New Testament, scrolls continue to play a vital role. Jesus Himself reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, as recorded in Luke 4:17-20: "The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written..." This event marks the fulfillment of prophecy and the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry.

Symbolism and Significance

Scrolls in the Bible often symbolize authority, revelation, and the continuity of God's Word. They serve as tangible representations of divine communication and the written record of God's covenant with His people. The imagery of scrolls is also present in apocalyptic literature, such as the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:1, John describes a scroll with seven seals in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne, signifying the unfolding of God's ultimate plan for history.

Preservation and Legacy

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the mid-20th century provided remarkable insights into the textual history of the Bible. These ancient manuscripts, found in the Qumran caves near the Dead Sea, include some of the oldest known copies of biblical texts, dating back to the Second Temple period. The Dead Sea Scrolls have been instrumental in confirming the reliability and consistency of the biblical text over centuries.

Scrolls, as the precursors to modern books, played a crucial role in the dissemination and preservation of biblical teachings. Their use in both Jewish and early Christian communities underscores the importance of written Scripture in maintaining doctrinal integrity and fostering spiritual growth. Through the ages, scrolls have remained a powerful symbol of God's enduring Word and His covenantal relationship with humanity.

The Early Life of the Blessed virgin at the Temple.
... I saw aged holy priests filling great scrolls with writing about her, and I have
been shown these scrolls, lying with other writings, though I cannot remember ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iv the early life of.htm

Canaan
... study. And with these, his search ended. Thereafter he made innumerable
heads in clay, and covered linen scrolls with drawings. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xii canaan.htm

The Lady Miriam
... place. The Son of Ptah had forgotten him.". The old man pushed several scrolls
aside and prepared to make the addition.. "But thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vi the lady miriam.htm

On Smart Novelists and the Smart Set
... The pedantic decisions and definable readjustments of man may be found in scrolls
and statute books and scriptures; but men's basic assumptions and everlasting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xv on smart novelists and.htm

Timely Supplies
... How the LORD was going to provide for Monday we knew not; but over our mantelpiece
hung two scrolls in the Chinese character"Ebenezer, "Hitherto hath the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xvi timely supplies.htm

Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick
... in conventional Chinese style"a square table with scarlet embroidered table-skirt,
and backed by an ornate arrangement of banner, scrolls, vases, and teacups ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxii preaching the gospel.htm

The Patriarchs.
... making them most beautiful, with pillars supporting the roof within, and
finely-carved entrances, cut with borders, flowers, and scrolls, so lasting that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

Athor, the Golden
... ancient hierarch of Amen. "There were two Scrolls," he explained; "one to
the Servant of Ra at On, the other to Atsu. The holy father ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vii athor the golden.htm

The Murket's Sacrifice
... The murket sat at his place in the work-room, but no papyrus scrolls lay before
him; his fine implements were not in sight; the ink-pots and pens were put away ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvi the murkets sacrifice.htm

Back to Memphis
... fellow prisoners. He regarded his taskmasters as if they were written authority
no more animate than watered scrolls of papyrus. No ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiii back to memphis.htm

Scrolls (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scrolls (3 Occurrences). Acts 19:19 Many of those
who practiced magical arts brought their books together ...
/s/scrolls.htm - 7k

Parchment
... Parchment was extensively used at the time of the early Christians for scrolls,
legal documents, etc., having replaced papyrus for that purpose. ...
/p/parchment.htm - 8k

Scroll (70 Occurrences)
... Revelation 20:12 and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and scrolls
were opened, and another scroll was opened, which is that of the life ...
/s/scroll.htm - 32k

Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A manuscript written on papyrus; esp., pl., written scrolls made of papyrus;
as, the papyri of Egypt or Herculaneum. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/p/papyrus.htm - 34k

Scruples (2 Occurrences)

/s/scruples.htm - 6k

Lampstand (38 Occurrences)
... were rejected by the Jews as contrary to their traditions, and they made lamps with
various other designs on the bowl, such as vine leaves, cups, scrolls, etc. ...
/l/lampstand.htm - 24k

Lamp (45 Occurrences)
... were rejected by the Jews as contrary to their traditions, and they made lamps with
various other designs on the bowl, such as vine leaves, cups, scrolls, etc. ...
/l/lamp.htm - 28k

Education (4 Occurrences)
... During this period it was that writings of poets, lawgivers, prophets and sages
were brought together into one sacred collection of scrolls, known later as the ...
/e/education.htm - 40k

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