Topical Encyclopedia Festival-robes, also referred to as "festal garments" or "garments of celebration," are special attire worn during significant religious and cultural celebrations in biblical times. These garments are often mentioned in the context of joy, honor, and divine favor, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and the celebratory nature of the events for which they are worn.Biblical References: 1. Zechariah 3:4 (BSB): "So the angel said to those standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes!' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.'" In this passage, the high priest Joshua is clothed in splendid robes, symbolizing the removal of sin and the bestowal of divine grace and honor. 2. Isaiah 61:10 (BSB): "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Here, the festival-robes are metaphorically described as garments of salvation and righteousness, emphasizing the joy and celebration of God's deliverance and blessings. 3. Esther 6:8-9 (BSB): "Have them bring a royal robe that the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them clothe the man whom the king wishes to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king wishes to honor!’" In this narrative, the royal robe signifies honor and recognition, akin to festival-robes used in celebrations of high esteem. Cultural and Religious Significance: Festival-robes in the biblical context are not merely garments but carry deep symbolic meaning. They are often associated with: · Purity and Righteousness: As seen in Zechariah 3:4 and Isaiah 61:10, these garments symbolize the cleansing from sin and the imputation of righteousness, reflecting the wearer's restored relationship with God. · Joy and Celebration: Festival-robes are worn during times of great joy and celebration, such as weddings, feasts, and other significant religious events. They represent the festive spirit and the communal rejoicing in God's blessings and providence. · Honor and Status: As illustrated in Esther 6:8-9, wearing such garments is a mark of honor and distinction. They are often associated with royalty and high status, indicating the wearer's esteemed position in society or before God. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, festival-robes can be seen as a foreshadowing of the righteousness believers receive through faith in Christ. Just as these garments cover the individual, so does the righteousness of Christ cover the believer, making them acceptable before God. This imagery is consistent with the New Testament teachings on salvation and sanctification, where believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ (cf. Galatians 3:27, Revelation 19:8). In summary, festival-robes in the Bible are rich in symbolism, representing purity, joy, honor, and divine favor. They serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's grace and the celebratory nature of His redemptive work. Concordance Festival-robes (2 Occurrences)Isaiah 3:22 Zechariah 3:4 Thesaurus Festival-robes (2 Occurrences)Festival-robes. Festival-day, Festival-robes. Festivals . Multi-Version Concordance Festival-robes (2 Occurrences). ... /f/festival-robes.htm - 7k Festivals (17 Occurrences) Girdles (13 Occurrences) Wallets (1 Occurrence) Festival-day (1 Occurrence) Tunics (16 Occurrences) Mantelets (1 Occurrence) Aprons (3 Occurrences) Satchels (1 Occurrence) Shawls (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the Diwali festival in Hinduism? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians participate in religious festivals of other religions? | GotQuestions.org Did Jesus lie to His brothers in John 7:8 10? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |