Chain
(1.) A part of the insignia of office. A chain of gold was placed about Joseph’s neck (Gen 41:42); and one was promised to Daniel (Dan 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 (Ex 39:17, Ex 39:21).
(2.) It was used as an ornament (Prov 1:9; Song 1:10). The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains (Judg 8:21, Judg 8:26).
(3.) Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound (Judg 16:21; 2 Sam 3:34; 2 Kgs 25:7; Jer 39:7). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier (Acts 28:20; Eph 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).
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
