Topical Encyclopedia The term "Babylonish garment" refers to a specific item mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Joshua. This garment is associated with the sin of Achan, which had significant consequences for the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan.Biblical Reference: The Babylonish garment is mentioned in Joshua 7:21. The context of this passage is the aftermath of the Israelites' victory over Jericho. God had commanded that all the spoils of Jericho be devoted to Him, meaning they were to be destroyed or placed in the treasury of the Lord. However, Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, disobeyed this command. He confessed, saying, "When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath" (Joshua 7:21). Historical and Cultural Context: The Babylonish garment, described as "beautiful," likely represented the luxurious and ornate textiles for which Babylon was renowned. Babylon, a major city in Mesopotamia, was known for its advanced culture, wealth, and craftsmanship. The garment's allure would have been significant, symbolizing both material wealth and the cultural prestige of Babylon. Theological Significance: The incident involving the Babylonish garment underscores several key theological themes in the Old Testament. First, it highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. Achan's sin was not merely the act of taking forbidden items but was a direct violation of God's explicit instructions. This disobedience led to Israel's initial defeat at Ai, demonstrating how individual sin can have communal consequences. Second, the account illustrates the concept of covetousness and its destructive power. Achan's desire for the garment and other spoils led him to prioritize material wealth over faithfulness to God. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing worldly desires to overshadow spiritual commitments. Finally, the narrative emphasizes the necessity of holiness and purity within the community of God's people. The Israelites were called to be set apart, and Achan's actions defiled the camp, necessitating a process of purification through his punishment. Moral and Ethical Lessons: From a moral and ethical standpoint, the account of the Babylonish garment teaches the importance of integrity and the consequences of hidden sin. It serves as a reminder that God sees all actions and that secret sins can lead to public repercussions. The account encourages believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience and to seek repentance and restoration. In summary, the Babylonish garment is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of the broader themes of obedience, covetousness, and communal holiness that are woven throughout the biblical narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Babylonish GarmentBABYLONISH GARMENT bab-i-lo'-nish gar'ment: In the King James Version, Joshua 7:21, for BABYLONISH MANTLE, which see. Smith's Bible Dictionary Babylonish Garmentliterally "robe of Shinar," (Joshua 7:21) an ample robe, probably made of the skin or fur of an animal, comp. (Genesis 25:25) and ornamented with embroidery or perhaps a variegated garment with figures inwoven in the fashion for which the Babylonians were celebrated. Library Five Kings in a Cave Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat Achan's Sin. Hindrances to Holiness. The Knowledge of God Two Coverings and Two Consequences Two Coverings and Two Consequences We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... Little Sins "Now the End of the Commandment," &C. Resources Babylonish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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