Topical Encyclopedia Camel's hair is mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of clothing, most notably in reference to John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that "John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3:4). This attire is significant as it reflects John's prophetic role and his connection to the Old Testament prophets, particularly Elijah, who is described in a similar manner in 2 Kings 1:8.The use of camel's hair for clothing in biblical times was practical and symbolic. Camels were common in the Near East, and their hair was a readily available material. The coarse texture of camel's hair garments was suitable for the harsh desert environment, providing durability and protection. This type of clothing was often associated with asceticism and a life of simplicity, which aligns with John the Baptist's mission of calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the Lord. In the broader biblical context, camel's hair can also be seen as a symbol of humility and rejection of worldly comforts. John's choice of attire was a deliberate contrast to the luxurious garments worn by the religious leaders of his time, emphasizing his message of repentance and the coming kingdom of God. His lifestyle and clothing were a visual representation of his prophetic message, calling people to turn away from sin and prepare for the Messiah. The mention of camel's hair in the Bible also serves to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy. In Malachi 4:5, it is foretold that Elijah would return before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Jesus Himself identifies John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11:14), and John's appearance in camel's hair reinforces this connection, as Elijah was known for his distinctive attire. In summary, camel's hair in the Bible is more than just a material for clothing; it is a symbol of prophetic authority, humility, and the call to repentance. It underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, linking the ministries of Elijah and John the Baptist, and ultimately pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Camel's HairCAMEL'S HAIR (triches kamelou): In Matthew 3:4 and Mark 1:6 the description of John's raiment is explicit to the extent of telling the kind of hair of which his raiment was made. It is probable that his garment was made of a tawed camel skin, for the more expensive woven camel's hair garment would not be in keeping with the rest of the description. It is still common among the poor in some parts of Syria, when a camel or other animal dies, to remove its skin and, after treating the inner surface to stop decomposition, to make it up into various domestic articles. The writer once saw a peasant dragging a skin along the road which proved to be that of a donkey which had just died on the route. His intention was probably to make it up into a cloak. Some believe that Elijah's mantle was of camel's hair (2 Kings 1:8; compare Zechariah 13:4). Of that we cannot be sure, for in the East today the hairy garment is usually goat's hair or wool either woven or still clinging to the skin. It was much more likely to have been one of these latter. See SHEEP. Camel's hair, when woven into fabrics, as in rugs, makes an article of even softer and more glossy texture than wool. Library St John the Baptist Concerning the Words Ascribed to John by all the Four Evangelists ... Letter xxxviii. To Marcella. Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Wear Coarser Clothes than ... The Voice in the Wilderness. Chrysostom as a Monk. AD 374-381. A People Prepared for the Lord Herod and John the Baptist Hail, the Galilean John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ... Resources Who was John the Baptist in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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