Lexical Summary meltachah: Wardrobe, Garment Chamber Original Word: מֶלְתָּחָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vestry From an unused root meaning to spread out; a wardrobe (i.e. Room where clothing is spread) -- vestry. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition probably wardrobe, wearing apparel NASB Translation wardrobe (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶלְתָּחָה noun feminine apparently wardrobe, wearing apparel (Ethiopic  tunic); — only in וַיּאֹמֶר הוֺצֵא לְבוּשׁ ׳לַאֲשֶׁר עַלהַֿמ 2 Kings 10:22; ᵐ5 ἐπὶ τοῦ [οἴκου] μεσθααλ (μισθ’); ᵑ9 super vestes. לתך (√ of following, meaning unknown, compare LagOr. ii. 32 f.). Topical Lexicon Biblical ContextThe single occurrence of מֶלְתָּחָה in Scripture stands within Jehu’s dramatic purge of Baal worship (2 Kings 10:18-28). After luring every devotee of Baal into the temple, Jehu ordered “the keeper of the wardrobe, ‘Bring out garments for all the worshipers of Baal.’ So he brought out garments for them” (2 Kings 10:22). The word designates the temple wardrobe or garment storehouse from which distinctive vestments were issued to mark the assembled idolaters. Wardrobe as a Marker of Identity In the Ancient Near East, sacred attire distinguished participants in cultic rites. The issuance of robes from the מֶלְתָּחָה validated each individual as an official worshiper and visually unified them before the deity they served. Jehu used this custom to his advantage. By outfitting every participant, he ensured that no worshiper of Yahweh would be mistaken for a Baal adherent once judgment fell. The garments therefore became an ironic seal of condemnation: outward symbols intended to honor Baal were turned into unmistakable targets for divine retribution. Historical and Cultural Insights Temples of the period often contained specialized chambers for storing ritual objects and garments. Excavations at Syrian and Canaanite sites reveal cedar-lined closets and stone benches designed for textiles. Such spaces underscore the wealth devoted to idol cults, reflecting the “gold, silver, and garments” so frequently catalogued among pagan treasuries (compare Joshua 7:21). The keeper of the wardrobe in 2 Kings 10:22 likely held an official priestly post, charged with preserving robes from impurity and damage—duties paralleling those of Levites who cared for holy vestments in the tabernacle (Exodus 28:2; 1 Samuel 2:28). Contrast with Priestly Garments of the LORD Whereas Baal’s robes highlighted human artistry and ostentation, the priestly garments prescribed by Yahweh declared His holiness and mediated atonement (Exodus 28:36-38). Jehu’s destruction of Baal’s company, robes and all, dramatized the truth that any glory disconnected from the living God is fleeting. Later prophetic voices echoed this theme: “For all flesh is like grass… but the word of the Lord stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24-25). Theological Significance 1. Divine Jealousy for Exclusive Worship The presence of a fully stocked מֶלְתָּחָה inside Israel testified to deep compromise. By eliminating it, Jehu removed not merely people but an institutional support system that perpetuated idolatry. Scripture thus warns that spiritual reform must address both practitioners and infrastructure (2 Kings 23:4-7). 2. Judgment Through Human Agency Jehu’s command shows God’s sovereignty working through human initiative. Although Jehu’s motives were mixed (2 Kings 10:31), his actions fulfilled prophetic judgment pronounced by Elijah (1 Kings 19:17). The wardrobe episode demonstrates that divine purpose can advance even through imperfect servants. 3. Garments as Spiritual Metaphor Isaiah invites the faithful to “put on the garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10), while Revelation portrays the redeemed “clothed in white robes” (Revelation 7:14). The destroyed robes of Baal followers anticipate the ultimate contrast between those clothed in Christ’s righteousness and those found in defiled garments (Zechariah 3:3-5; Revelation 3:4-5). Ministry Application • Discern Structures That Sustain Sin Effective ministry identifies modern “wardrobes” that legitimize ungodliness—media, institutions, or cultural symbols—and removes them rather than merely addressing surface behavior. • Guard the Distinctiveness of Worship As the wardrobe distinguished Baal worshipers, so the Church’s holiness should be visible in conduct and community life (Ephesians 4:22-24). Leaders must ensure that practices and aesthetics consistently point to Christ, not to human prestige. • Depend on God’s Word for Reform Jehu’s boldness sprang from prophetic assurance. Sustainable transformation today likewise proceeds from Scriptural conviction, guided by the Spirit rather than carnal zeal (James 1:20; Galatians 5:16). Related Themes and Cross-References Ritual Garments: Exodus 28:2-4; Leviticus 6:10-11 Idolatry and Its Destruction: Deuteronomy 12:2-3; 2 Kings 23:4-20 Symbolic Clothing Language: Isaiah 61:10; Zechariah 3:3-5; Romans 13:14; Revelation 19:8 Summary מֶלְתָּחָה represents far more than a wardrobe; it embodies the lavish yet empty splendor of false worship. Its solitary mention captures a decisive moment when God’s zeal for His own glory dismantled every visible support of Baal. For believers today, the passage calls for wholehearted devotion, vigilant purity in worship, and courage to confront any cultural trappings that rival the supremacy of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations הַמֶּלְתָּחָ֔ה המלתחה ham·mel·tā·ḥāh hammeltaChah hammeltāḥāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 10:22 HEB: לַֽאֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־ הַמֶּלְתָּחָ֔ה הוֹצֵ֣א לְב֔וּשׁ NAS: [was] in charge of the wardrobe, Bring KJV: And he said unto him that [was] over the vestry, Bring forth INT: who charge of the wardrobe Bring garments 1 Occurrence |
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