Meaning
1. As badges of office;
2. For ornament;
3. For confining prisoners.
4. the gold chain placed about Joseph’s neck, (Genesis 41:42) and that promised to Daniel, (Daniel 5:7) are instances of the first use. In (Ezekiel 16:11) the chain is mentioned as the symbol of sovereignty.
5. Chains for ornamental purposes were worn by men as well as women. (Proverbs 1:9) Judith 10:4. The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains. (Jude 8:21; Jude 8:26) Step-chains were attached to the ankle-rings. (Isa 3:16; Isa 3:18)
6. The means adopted for confining prisoners among the Jews were fetters similar to our handcuffs. (Judges 16:21; 2Samuel 3:34; 2Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7) Among the Romans the prisoner was handcuffed to his guard, and occasionally to two guards. (Acts 12:6; Acts 12:7; 21:33)
