Definition and Meaning:
The term "Adhereth" is a Hebrew word (אַדֶּרֶת) that generally means "mantle" or "cloak." It is used in the Old Testament to describe a garment that signifies authority, prophetic office, or mourning. The adhereth is often associated with prophets and is symbolic of their calling and mission.

Biblical References:

1. Elijah's Mantle:
One of the most notable uses of the term "adhereth" is in the context of the prophet Elijah. In 1 Kings 19:19, Elijah's mantle is mentioned when he calls Elisha to follow him. The passage states, "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him." This act of casting his mantle upon Elisha symbolized the transfer of prophetic authority and the calling of Elisha to be Elijah's successor.

2. Prophetic Significance:
The adhereth is often associated with the prophetic office. In 2 Kings 2:8, Elijah uses his mantle to part the waters of the Jordan River: "Then Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground." This miraculous event underscores the power and authority vested in the prophetic mantle.

3. Symbol of Authority and Power:
The adhereth is not merely a piece of clothing but a symbol of divine authority and power. In 2 Kings 2:13-14, after Elijah is taken up to heaven, Elisha picks up Elijah's mantle, signifying the continuation of Elijah's prophetic ministry: "Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters, saying, 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over."

4. Garment of Mourning:
In some contexts, the adhereth is also associated with mourning or humility. In Genesis 37:34, Jacob tears his garments and puts on sackcloth, a coarse material often used for mourning, which can be seen as a form of adhereth: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned for his son many days." This usage highlights the garment's role in expressing deep sorrow and repentance.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, clothing was often symbolic of one's social status, role, or emotional state. The adhereth, as a mantle or cloak, was a significant garment that could denote a person's office or calling, particularly in the context of the prophets. The act of passing on a mantle was a powerful symbol of succession and the continuation of a divine mission.

Theological Implications:
The adhereth serves as a tangible representation of God's calling and empowerment of His prophets. It signifies the authority given by God to His chosen servants to carry out His will and deliver His messages to the people. The passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha illustrates the continuity of God's work through successive generations of faithful servants.

The Tenth Chapter of the Gospel of John. Of the Shepherd, and the ...
... For whatsoever yet adhereth to the body, is not beyond hope of healing; whereas
that which hath been cut off, can neither be in process of curing, nor be healed ...
/.../sermon lxxxvii the tenth chapter.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 7, "I Tell You the Truth; it ...
... to them gave He power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on Him."
[4243] Whoso then believeth on the Son of God, in so far as he adhereth to Him ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciii on the words.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Life, when the Believer is So ...
... 3. He would look to him also, as head and husband, and life to the poor soul that
adhereth to him; and this will strengthen his hope and expectation; for he ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxi how to make.htm

Psalm XCVIII.
... flesh. Horn both adhereth to the flesh, and riseth above the flesh; and
although it springeth from the flesh, yet it surpasseth it. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcviii.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in ...
... discriminated from others, as neither were strangers, as already stated: for it
is written (Isa.56:3): "Let not the son of the stranger that adhereth to the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts regarding.htm

John Chapter vi. 15-44
... came to teach humility, I came a master of humility: he that cometh to me is made
one body with me; he that cometh to me becomes humble; he who adhereth to me ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxv john chapter vi.htm

Psalm LXXIV.
... Prophet, "but upon the humble man, and peaceful, and trembling at My words?" [3384]
Now therefore Asaph hath understood, now to the earth he adhereth not, now ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiv.htm

Adhereth (1 Occurrence)
...Adhereth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 101:3 I set not before mine eyes a worthless thing,
The work of those turning aside I have hated, It adhereth not to me. (YLT). ...
/a/adhereth.htm - 6k

Adhering (7 Occurrences)

/a/adhering.htm - 8k

Adherents (5 Occurrences)

/a/adherents.htm - 7k

Worthless (103 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 101:3 I set not before mine eyes a worthless thing, The work of
those turning aside I have hated, It adhereth not to me. (YLT NAS). ...
/w/worthless.htm - 35k

Hated (124 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS). Psalms 101:3 I set not before mine eyes a worthless thing, The
work of those turning aside I have hated, It adhereth not to me. (YLT). ...
/h/hated.htm - 36k

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