Topical Bible: Camel: Hair of, Made Into Cloth

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In biblical times, the camel was a significant animal in the Near Eastern regions, valued for its endurance and ability to carry heavy loads across arid landscapes. Beyond its utility as a beast of burden, the camel also provided materials for clothing and other textiles, particularly through its hair.

Camel Hair in Biblical Context

Camel hair was a common material used in the production of garments and textiles in the ancient Near East. The hair of the camel, known for its durability and insulating properties, was spun into yarn and woven into cloth. This cloth was often coarse and rugged, suitable for the harsh desert environment.

Biblical References

The most notable biblical reference to camel hair clothing is found in the description of John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3:4). This attire symbolized John's prophetic role and his ascetic lifestyle, reminiscent of the prophet Elijah, who also wore a garment of hair (2 Kings 1:8).

Symbolism and Significance

The use of camel hair for clothing in the Bible carries symbolic weight. John the Baptist's choice of attire was a deliberate rejection of luxury and comfort, aligning himself with the prophets of old and emphasizing his message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. The roughness of camel hair garments contrasted sharply with the fine clothing worn by those in royal courts, highlighting the humility and simplicity of John's mission.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Historically, camel hair was a practical choice for those living in desert regions. The hair provided warmth during cold nights and was breathable during the heat of the day. The process of making cloth from camel hair involved shearing the animal, spinning the fibers into yarn, and then weaving the yarn into fabric. This labor-intensive process resulted in a material that was both functional and symbolic of a lifestyle of simplicity and endurance.

In summary, camel hair played a significant role in the daily life and spiritual symbolism of biblical times. Its use in clothing, particularly as seen in the life of John the Baptist, underscores themes of humility, prophetic witness, and the call to repentance.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 3:4
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
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Mark 1:6
And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
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Library

An Old Subscription List
... All had equal consecration, because all made one whole ... where his special possession
will work into the general ... Jewels and camel's hair yarn and gold and silver ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an old subscription list.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... Their finer hair was woven into elegant cloths; but ... which was coarser and shaggier
was made into a fabric ... for the coats of shepherds and camel-drivers, and for ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

'Constrained by the Word'
... Let us set to work and make camel's-hair cloth and tents ... as they plaited the wisps
of black hair into rough cloth ... the workshop, amidst the dust, that made him one ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/constrained by the word.htm

On Clothes.
... the creature suffers a new transformation into a third ... of sheep as savouring of luxury,
chose "camel's hair," and was ... the sheepskin with a girdle made of hair. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... the Sabbath, that of cutting one's nails or hair involves moral ... ordinarily made in
water should be made in vinegar. ... forbidden (to kill a flea is like a camel). ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
... And John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leathern girdle ... new from the old,
and a worse rent is made. And no man putteth new wine into old wine-skins ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iv the kingdom of.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... The inhabitants seemed to me to be camel-drivers, for ... man of a pleasing yellow-brown
color, with reddish hair. ... Its body was hollow, fire was made in it, and ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Psalm LII.
... Which hairs indeed are not made by God superfluously on ... were tears: when thou relievest,
thou wipest with hair. ... He said, more easily could a camel pass through ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lii.htm

Whom the Lady Miriam Sent
... when she was mantled and crowned with a glory of golden hair? ... she slipped across
the open space to the camel that was ... "Most industriously, since I made up what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvi whom the lady.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... the date of the introduction of the camel into Chaldoa still ... material as that of
which the mantles were made. ... finger, and ear rings; their hair was separated ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm