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(Daniel 5:7) It is used as a symbol of sovereignty
(Ezekiel 16:11) The
breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by
golden chains
(Exodus 39:17,21)
2. It was used as an ornament
(Proverbs 1:9; The Song of Solomon 1:10) The Midianites
adorned the necks of their camels with chains
(Judges 8:21,26)
3. Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound
(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 Timothy 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)
