Bible Dictionaries
Mezuzah

Holman Bible Dictionary

(meh zyoo' zah) Hebrew term for doorpost. Ancient doors pivoted on posts set in sockets. The blood of the passover lamb was to be applied to door posts (Exodus 12:7 ,Exodus 12:7,12:22-23 ). At the beginning of the new year blood was to be applied to the doorposts of the temple to make atonement for it (Ezekiel 45:19 ). The command to write the words of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21 ) on the doorposts of one's home, like the command to write them on one's heart (Deuteronomy 6:6 ), is a challenge to always remember that love of God is central to faith. At a later time, these commands were understood literally. Today Mezuzah refers to small scrolls inscribed with Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21 placed in a container attached to the door jambs of some Jewish homes.