In the biblical narrative, the concept of disguise is often associated with deception, concealment, and the subversion of identity for various purposes. The act of disguising oneself is depicted in several instances throughout the Scriptures, serving as a tool for both divine and human intentions.

Old Testament Instances

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the earliest examples of disguise in the Bible is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Rebekah, Jacob's mother, orchestrates a plan for Jacob to receive the blessing intended for Esau by disguising him as his brother. Jacob wears Esau's garments and covers his hands and neck with goat skins to mimic Esau's hairy skin (Genesis 27:15-16). This act of disguise leads to Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing, altering the course of their family history.

2. Tamar and Judah: In Genesis 38, Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute to seduce her father-in-law, Judah, in order to secure her rights and lineage. Tamar's disguise is successful, and she becomes pregnant by Judah, leading to the birth of Perez and Zerah, who are significant in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

3. Saul and the Witch of Endor: King Saul, in desperation to seek guidance before his final battle, disguises himself to visit the witch of Endor. He removes his royal garments to conceal his identity, as he had previously banned necromancy in Israel (1 Samuel 28:8). This act of disguise underscores Saul's departure from God's guidance and his reliance on forbidden practices.

4. Ahab and the Battle of Ramoth-gilead: King Ahab of Israel disguises himself during the battle at Ramoth-gilead to avoid being targeted by the enemy. Despite his efforts, Ahab is struck by a random arrow and dies, fulfilling the prophecy of his demise (1 Kings 22:30, 34). This incident highlights the futility of human attempts to thwart divine judgment.

New Testament Reference

1. Paul's Escape from Damascus: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul employs a form of disguise to escape from Damascus. After his conversion, Paul faces threats from those opposed to his preaching. His followers lower him in a basket through an opening in the city wall, effectively disguising his escape (Acts 9:25). This event illustrates the early challenges faced by Paul in his ministry and the providential care of God in preserving his life.

Theological Implications

The use of disguise in the Bible often reveals the complexities of human nature and the moral ambiguities present in the biblical characters. While some instances of disguise are used to achieve righteous ends, others highlight the consequences of deceit and the sovereignty of God in bringing about His purposes despite human machinations. The narratives involving disguise serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the ultimate futility of attempting to conceal one's true self from God.(imp. & p. p.) of Disguise.5235a. nakar -- to act or treat as foreign or strange, to disguise
... verb from nekar Definition to act or treat as foreign or strange, to disguise NASB
Word Usage another woman (2), delivered (1), disguised (1), disguises (1 ...
/hebrew/5235a.htm - 5k

8132. shana -- to change
... root Definition to change NASB Word Usage alter (1), beam (1), change (2), changed
(4), changing (1), different (1), disguise (1), disguised (1), given to ...
/hebrew/8132.htm - 6k

2664. chaphas -- to search
... root Definition to search NASB Word Usage devise (1), disguise (2), disguised (5),
distorted (1), examine (1), hide (1), ponders (1), ransacked (1), search (6 ...
/hebrew/2664.htm - 6k

Matt. I. 1
... For it is no statement of mine, but of our fathers, wonderful and illustrious men.
[110] For if He disguised many things from the first, calling Himself Son of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iii matt i 1.htm

Thou Art the Man
... If a man's own sin is held up before him a little disguised, he says, 'How ugly
it is!' And if only for a moment he can be persuaded that it is not his own ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/thou art the man.htm

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... In a moment he saw to the very depths of its cunning. Here was a band of conspirators
meeting in the darkness and speaking in disguised voices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm

His Murdered Father's Head
... An upper garment of striped cloth, worn like the Jewish abeyeh, and a wig of long,
dark hair under a turban, so effectually disguised the young Goth that his ...
/.../chapter xxxvi his murdered fathers.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... So she laid aside the garments of a widow, and covered herself with a veil, and
completely disguised herself and sat down at the entrance to Enayim, which is ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... have you believed vain fables and supposed animals to be charmed by music; while
Truth's shining face alone, as would seem, appears to you disguised, and is ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

Of the Necessity of the Wager
... God has set up in the Church visible signs to make Himself known to those who should
seek Him sincerely, and that He has nevertheless so disguised them that He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section iii of the necessity.htm

How to Speak in Public
... Their poverty of thought can not be long disguised in flamboyant rhetoric and
sesquipedalian words, and hence they fail to carry conviction to serious-minded ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/how to speak in public.htm

Pontius Pilate
... Then the governor sent soldiers among the people, disguised in the garb of civilians,
who at a given signal drew their clubs and attacked them more savagely ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/pontius pilate.htm

The Failure of Leibnitz not a Ground of Despair.
... He finely rebuked the false humility and the disguised arrogance of Descartes, in
affirming that the sovereignty of God and the freedom of man could never be ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/section ii the failure of.htm

Disguised (7 Occurrences)
...Disguised (7 Occurrences). ... 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for
the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. ...
/d/disguised.htm - 9k

Disguise (7 Occurrences)
... The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself, and go into the
battle; but you put on your robes." The king of Israel disguised himself, and ...
/d/disguise.htm - 9k

Judith (1 Occurrence)
... Roman Catholic scholars defend the literal historicity of the book, though
they allow that the proper names are more or less disguised. ...
/j/judith.htm - 27k

Jehosh'aphat (75 Occurrences)
... of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat: 'I will disguise myself, and go into the battle;
but put thou on thy robes.' And the king of Israel disguised himself, and ...
/j/jehosh'aphat.htm - 27k

Wear (56 Occurrences)
... The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself, and go into the
battle; but you put on your robes." The king of Israel disguised himself, and ...
/w/wear.htm - 25k

Robes (124 Occurrences)
... The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself, and go into the
battle; but you put on your robes." The king of Israel disguised himself, and ...
/r/robes.htm - 39k

Necho (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised
himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words ...
/n/necho.htm - 9k

Naked (56 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Without addition, exaggeration, or excuses; not concealed or disguised;
open to view; manifest; plain. 5. (a.) Mere; simple; plain. ...
/n/naked.htm - 29k

Neco (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised
himself, that he might fight with him, and didn't listen to the words of ...
/n/neco.htm - 11k

Open (586 Occurrences)
... 6. (a.) Not concealed or secret; not hidden or disguised; exposed to view or to
knowledge; revealed; apparent; as, open schemes or plans; open shame or guilt. ...
/o/open.htm - 41k

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