Door
Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) · International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)
THE DICTIONARY — Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897)
-POSTS The Jews were commanded to write the divine name on the posts (mezuzoth’) of their doors (Deuteronomy 6:9). The Jews, misunderstanding this injunction, adopted the custom of writing on a slip of parchment these verses (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and 11:13-21), which they enclosed in a reed or cylinder and fixed on the right-hand door-post of every room in the house.
THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.
dor: Most commonly the rendering of Hebrew pethach, "doorway," deleth, "door" proper (the two distinguished in Ge 19:6), or of Greek thura, which represents both meanings. The door proper was usually of wood, frequently sheeted with metal, sometimes of one slab of stone, as shown in excavations in the Hauran. It turned on pivots (the "hinges" of Pr 26:14) working in sockets above and below, and was provided with a bolt (2Sa 13:17) or with lock and key (Jud 3:23). The doorway was enclosed by the stone threshold (1Ki 14:17), the two doorposts on either side, and the lintel above (Ex 12:7). Doors were frequently two-leaved, and folding ones are mentioned in connection with the temple (1Ki 6:34). Where "door" is used in connectio with city gates (Ne 3:1 ff) it refers to the door proper which swings on its hinges as distinguished from the whole structure. The custom of fastening to the doorposts small cases containing a parchment inscribed with the words of De 6:4-9; 11:13-21 had its origin in the command there given. See also GATE; HOUSE.
Figurative:
(1) Christ is "the door" into the gospel ministry (Joh 10:1,2,7); ministers must receive their authority from Him, and exercise it in His spirit.
(2) `Through faith in Him also both shepherds and sheep enter into the kingdom of God (Joh 10:9), and find all their spiritual needs supplied.'
(3) The figure in Re 3:20 is expressive of Christ's patient, persistent and affectionate appeal to men.
(4) Elsewhere also of opportunity (Mt 25:10; Ac 14:27; 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Re 3:8).
(5) Of freedom and power (Col 4:3). See also ACHOR; SHEPHERD.
Benjamin Reno Downer