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 ( Ezekiel 16:11 ). The breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains ( Exodus 39:17,21 ). It was used as an ornament ( Proverbs 1:9 ; Song of Solomon 1:10 ). The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains ( Judges 8:21,26 ). 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 ).
Source
- part_of
source-manifest/easton— Easton's Bible Dictionary (PD)