CHAINS . . .
“Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains.” Psalm 107:10
When we think of chains, we often recall those used to bind prisoners as in our reference. Yet in the NIV Bible’s 62 references to chains, they are used in several different ways.
First, chains were used as an adornment, like a necklace. Joseph and Daniel were each awarded a chain to wear around their necks. “Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom” (Daniel 5:29).
Chains were also used for ornamentation as mentioned in 1 Kings 6:21, “Solomon covered the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary.”
Most often, however, we think of the chains that kept the early Christians in jail. Acts 12:6 records the imprisonment of Peter “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains.” Likewise, Paul and Silas were chained in prison.
There is one more use for chains mentioned in the Bible— that is, to tie up Satan and his demons for eternity. Jude 1:6 says, “The angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.”
We thank the Lord for removing the chains of sin that once bound us by his death on the cross. Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
From: Precious Words of the Bible by Reynold R. Kremer