chain

  1. a part of the insignia of office

    A chain of gold was placed about Joseph’s neck (Genesis 41:42); and one was promised to Daniel (5:7). It is used as a symbol of sovereignty (Ezek. 16:11). The breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains (Exodus 39:17, 21).

  2. Chains were used as an ornament (Proverbs 1:9; Song of Songs 1:10). The Midianites even adorned the necks of their camels with chains (Judges 8:21, 26).

  3. Chains were also used as fetters to bind prisoners (Judges 16:21; 2 Samuel 3:34; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier (Acts 28:20; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:16). Sometimes, for the sake of greater security, the prisoner was attached by two chains to two soldiers, as in the case of Peter (Acts 12:6).

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