CHAIN (chan), (Heb. raw-beed, literally, collar), and the one promised to Daniel (Dan. v:7; Heb. ham-oc-riayk', necklace).
Chains of gold appear to have been as much used among the Hebrews for ornament or official distinction as they are among ourselves at the present day. The earliest mention of them occurs in Gen. xli :42, where we are told that a chain of gold formed a part of the investiture of Joseph in the high office to which he was raised in Egypt ; a later instance occurs in Dan. v :29, from which we learn that a golden chain was part of a dress of honor at Babylon. In Egypt the judges wore chains of gold, to which was attached a jeweled figure of Thinei. or Truth, and in that country similar chains were also worn as orna ments by the women. It is not, however, neces sary to suppose that the Hebrews derived this custom from the Egyptians, for the fact that chains are mentioned among the spoil of the Mid ianites shows that they were in use among people whose condition of life more nearly resembled that of the Israelites before they obtained posses sion of Canaan. It would seem that chains were worn both by men and women (Prow. i :9; Ezek. xvi :1 ), and we find them enumerated among the ornaments of brides (Cant. i :to; iv :9).
It was a custom among the Romans to fasten a prisoner with a light chain to the soldier who was appointed to guard him. One end of it was at
tached to the right hand of the prisoner, and the other to the left hand of the soldier. This is the chain by which Paul was so often bound, and to which he repeatedly a:ludes (Acts xxviii :2o; Eph. vi :2o; 2 Tim. i :16). When the utmost se curity was desired, the prisoner was attached by two chains to two soldiers, as was the case with Peter (Acts xii :6).
Figurative. (1) God's law is a chain; it re strains from sinful liberty ; is uneasy to corrupt men, and is a great ornament to the saints who obey it ( Prov. i:9). (2) The great chain with which Satan is bound for a thousand years is the powerful restraints of Divine Providence, and the just laws against great crimes faithfully exe cuted (Rev. xx :I). (3) Bondage and trouble arc chains; they restrain our liberty, render us un easy and are shameful badges of our guilt, and yet, if borne for Christ, are an honorable orna ment iii :7 ; 2 Tim. i :16). Make a chain, prepare for captivity and slavery (Ezek. vii :23). (4) Pride is a chain. which keeps men under its power, and by a discovery of it in their con duct, they use it, as if ornamental to them (Ps. lxxiii :6).