What does the Bible say about beds?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents beds as ordinary provisions for rest, hospitality, sickness, mourning, comfort, and sometimes sinful luxury, all under God’s providence. Jacob worshiped while leaning on his bed in Genesis 47:31, showing that even weakness can become an occasion for faith. Scripture recognizes sleepless sorrow and affliction in Job 7:13 and Psalm 6:6, while David’s concern for the bedridden Saul in 1 Samuel 19:15 reflects care in illness. The furnished upper room in 2 Kings 4:10 commends generous hospitality. Yet Amos 6:4 warns against complacent self-indulgence, and Deuteronomy 3:11 reminds us that impressive beds and possessions do not establish true greatness.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Antiquity of Genesis 47:31; Exodus 8:3
- Couches or divans used as Job 7:13; Psalms 6:6
- A small pallet or mattress used as 1 Samuel 19:15
- Considered necessary 2 Kings 4:10
- Made of
- Iron Deuteronomy 3:11
- Ivory Amos 6:4
- Gold and Silver Esther 1:6
- Wood Song of Solomon 3:7-9
- Supplied with pillows 1 Samuel 19:13; 1 Samuel 26:7
- Covered with tapestry and linen Proverbs 7:16
- Often perfumed Proverbs 7:17; Ezekiel 23:41
- Of the poor covered with upper garment Exodus 22:26; Exodus 22:27; Deuteronomy 24:12; Deuteronomy 24:13
- Used for
- Sleeping on Job 33:15; Luke 11:7
- Reclining on by day 2 Samuel 4:5; 2 Samuel 11:2
- Reclining on at meals 1 Samuel 28:23-25; Amos 6:4-6; Luke 7:36-38; John 13:23
- Not used in affliction 2 Samuel 12:16; 2 Samuel 13:31
- Persons sometimes took to, in grief 1 Kings 21:4; Hosea 7:14
- Saints meditate and praise God while on Psalms 4:4; Psalms 149:5; Song of Solomon 3:1
- The wicked devise mischief while on Psalms 36:4; Micah 2:1
- The slothful too fond of Proverbs 26:14
- Of the poor often sold for debt Proverbs 22:27
- Subject to ceremonial defilement Leviticus 15:4
- Purification of Mark 7:4
- Illustrative
- Of the grave Isaiah 57:2
- (Made in darkness,) of extreme misery Job 17:13
- (Made in sickness,) of divine support and comfort Psalms 41:3
- (Made on high,) of carnal security Isaiah 57:7
- (Too short,) of plans which afford no rest or peace Isaiah 28:20
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