Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, stalls were structures or enclosures used for housing animals, particularly livestock such as horses, cattle, and sheep. These stalls were essential for the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel and surrounding cultures, providing shelter and organization for animals that were vital to daily life, agriculture, and religious practices.Old Testament References Stalls are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often highlighting the wealth and prosperity of individuals or nations. In 1 Kings 4:26, the grandeur of King Solomon's reign is illustrated by the mention of his extensive stables: "Solomon had four thousand stalls for his chariot horses and twelve thousand horses." This passage underscores the king's wealth and the importance of horses for transportation and military purposes. In 2 Chronicles 32:28, King Hezekiah's prosperity is described, including his provisions for livestock: "He made stalls for various kinds of cattle and pens for the flocks." This indicates the significance of animal husbandry in maintaining the economic stability and self-sufficiency of the kingdom. Symbolic and Religious Significance Stalls also appear in prophetic and poetic literature, often symbolizing abundance and divine blessing. In Habakkuk 3:17, the prophet uses the absence of cattle in the stalls as a metaphor for desolation and hardship: "Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls." This imagery conveys a sense of complete barrenness, contrasting with the prosperity that full stalls would represent. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not frequently mention stalls, the concept remains relevant in understanding the socio-economic backdrop of the era. The presence of animals in the nativity account, for instance, suggests the use of a stable or stall-like setting for the birth of Jesus, as described in Luke 2:7: "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." The manger, a feeding trough for animals, implies the humble circumstances of Christ's birth, resonating with the imagery of stalls. Cultural and Practical Aspects Stalls were typically constructed from available materials such as wood, stone, or mud bricks, depending on the region and resources. They were designed to protect animals from harsh weather and predators, ensuring their health and productivity. The management of stalls and livestock was a crucial aspect of daily life, requiring knowledge and skill in animal husbandry. In summary, stalls in the biblical context serve as a symbol of wealth, provision, and divine blessing, while also reflecting the practical realities of ancient agrarian societies. They are woven into the narrative of Scripture, illustrating both the material and spiritual dimensions of life in biblical times. Strong's Hebrew 7517. repheth -- stable, stall... 7516, 7517. repheth. 7518 . stable, stall. Transliteration: repheth Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-feth) Short Definition: stalls. Word ... /hebrew/7517.htm - 6k 723a. urvah -- a manger, crib Library "Pan, Pan is Dead" The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign. Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church Christ Cleansing the Temple The Great Gain of Godliness Arrangement and Furniture of the Church Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ... The Worship of the Church It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.. ... First Impressions Thesaurus Stalls (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Stalls (5 Occurrences). ... 1 Kings 4:26 Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. ... /s/stalls.htm - 8k Procured (13 Occurrences) Stall (7 Occurrences) Yield (78 Occurrences) Horsemen (63 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) 12000 (7 Occurrences) Folds (18 Occurrences) Endirons Pens (8 Occurrences) Resources How can we learn to trust God like the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about androgyny? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer (Habakkuk 3:19)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stalls (5 Occurrences)1 Kings 4:23 1 Kings 4:26 2 Chronicles 9:25 2 Chronicles 32:28 Habakkuk 3:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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