In biblical times, the concept of a threshold held both practical and symbolic significance. The threshold, typically the sill of a doorway, was a place of transition and entry, marking the boundary between the outside world and the sanctity of the home or sacred space. This concept is reflected in various passages throughout the Bible, where thresholds are mentioned in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Old Testament References

The threshold is first mentioned in the context of the tabernacle and the temple, where it signifies the boundary of sacred space. In 1 Samuel 5:4-5, the account of the Ark of the Covenant in the temple of Dagon illustrates the threshold's significance: "But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD. His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. That is why to this day, neither the priests of Dagon nor any who enter Dagon’s temple step on the threshold."

This passage highlights the threshold as a place of divine encounter and judgment, where the power of God is demonstrated over false idols. The breaking of Dagon's statue at the threshold symbolizes the defeat of paganism before the presence of the true God.

In Ezekiel 9:3, the threshold of the temple is again a focal point: "Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple." Here, the threshold serves as a point of transition for the divine presence, emphasizing its role as a boundary between the holy and the common.

New Testament Implications

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention thresholds as frequently as the Old Testament, the concept of crossing thresholds can be seen in the actions and teachings of Jesus. In John 10:9, Jesus refers to Himself as the door: "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." This metaphorical use of a doorway implies a threshold that must be crossed to enter into salvation and the kingdom of God.

Symbolic Interpretations

The threshold often symbolizes new beginnings, transitions, and the passage from one state of being to another. In biblical symbolism, crossing a threshold can represent entering into a covenant relationship with God, moving from sin to redemption, or transitioning from earthly life to eternal life.

In the context of Christian life, the threshold can also represent the decision to follow Christ, marking the transition from a life of sin to one of faith and obedience. The act of stepping over the threshold into a church or place of worship can symbolize entering into the presence of God and committing oneself to His service.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, thresholds were often considered sacred spaces. They were sometimes marked with inscriptions or symbols to ward off evil spirits and ensure the protection of the household. This cultural understanding of thresholds as places of both physical and spiritual significance is reflected in the biblical narrative.

Overall, the threshold in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of transition, divine encounter, and the boundary between the sacred and the profane. It invites believers to consider the significance of their own spiritual thresholds and the transformative power of entering into a relationship with God.

Third Address.
... Now that you have come up to the threshhold of the goodly land, there is only one
thing which can keep you out, provided you have made the needed consecration. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/third address.htm

The Sons of God
... I. First, then, my brethren, a SPECIAL PRIVILEGE mentioned in the text. "We are
the children of God." And here I am met upon the very threshhold by the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

Epistle Lxxviii. To Barbara and Antonina .
... As to your saying that you are in haste to approach the threshhold of the blessed
Peter, Prince of the apostles, I wish exceedingly, and wait with fervent ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxxviii to barbara and.htm

The Emperor Theodosius by Salaminius Hermias Sozomen, and Proposal ...
... relate the virtue of many devoted men, and the events of the Catholic Church; and
since her conflicts with so many enemies lead me to thy threshhold and that ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/address to the emperor theodosius.htm

(On the Lord's Resurrection, ii. )
... And to share in this unspeakable gift the Lord Himself was preparing a blessed
"passing over" for His faithful ones, when on the very threshhold of His Passion ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxii on the lords.htm

Faith Illustrated
... He rushes up the steps, and just as they are about to overtake him and hew him in
pieces on the threshhold of the church, out comes the Bishop, and holding up ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm

How to Work for God with Success.
... service. If you want to be a successful laborer for souls, you will have to
do that at the threshhold. Give up your money to the Lord. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ix how to work.htm

Saving Faith.
... and I will shield you"I will deliver you? Thou shalt never cross this
threshhold without me. I will live with you; I will hold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm

2 Cor. xii. 1
... For the instant thou hast stepped across the threshhold, at once the place sends
up thy thoughts to heaven, to the King above, to the army of the Angels, to ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvi 2 cor xii.htm

Threshhold (12 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Threshhold (12 Occurrences). Judges 19:27 And
her lord rose in the morning, and opened the doors of the ...
/t/threshhold.htm - 10k

Threshholds (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 43:8 In their setting of their threshhold by my threshholds, and their post
by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my ...
/t/threshholds.htm - 7k

Ascended (48 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:6 Then he came to the gate which looketh towards the east, and ascended
its stairs, and measured the threshhold of the gate, which was one reed broad ...
/a/ascended.htm - 21k

Threshest (2 Occurrences)

/t/threshest.htm - 6k

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