Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Linen

◄ Commerce: Articles of Linen ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, linen was a highly valued textile, known for its quality and durability. It played a significant role in the commerce of ancient civilizations, including those mentioned in the Bible. Linen was primarily made from the fibers of the flax plant, which was cultivated extensively in regions such as Egypt and the land of Canaan. The production and trade of linen were integral to the economy and daily life of these societies.

Biblical References and Significance

Linen is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing purity and righteousness. In the construction of the Tabernacle, God commanded the use of fine linen for the priestly garments and the curtains (Exodus 26:1; 28:39). The high priest's ephod and breastplate were made of "gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen" (Exodus 28:6). This use of linen underscores its importance and the high regard in which it was held.

The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is noted for her involvement in the linen trade: "She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants" (Proverbs 31:24). This passage highlights the role of women in the commerce of linen and the economic activities of the household.

Trade and Economic Impact

Linen was a significant commodity in ancient trade networks. The Phoenicians, known for their extensive trade routes, were instrumental in the distribution of linen throughout the Mediterranean. Ezekiel 27:7 mentions the use of "fine embroidered linen from Egypt" as sails for the ships of Tyre, indicating the widespread trade and high demand for Egyptian linen.

The prophet Isaiah also references the linen trade, noting the impact of its disruption: "The workers in combed flax and the weavers of fine linen will be dismayed" (Isaiah 19:9). This passage reflects the economic dependency on linen production and trade, as well as the potential for economic distress when these industries were affected.

Symbolism and Cultural Context

Linen's association with purity is further emphasized in the New Testament. In Revelation, the Bride of Christ is described as being clothed in "fine linen, bright and pure" (Revelation 19:8), symbolizing the righteous acts of the saints. This imagery reinforces the cultural and spiritual significance of linen as a symbol of holiness and divine favor.

In the cultural context of the Bible, linen was not only a practical material but also a symbol of status and wealth. The rich man in Jesus' parable is described as being "dressed in purple and fine linen" (Luke 16:19), indicating his affluence and social standing.

Conclusion

The commerce of articles of linen in biblical times was a complex and multifaceted industry, deeply intertwined with the social, economic, and spiritual life of ancient societies. Its presence in Scripture highlights its importance and enduring legacy in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 10:28
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Commerce
... 2 Chronicles 1:16), who imported horses and linen yarn, has ... But no sketch of commerce
among the early Jews ... of another, to buying and selling articles of home ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple ... And these articles of traffic are
symbolized by the ... The commerce of this ecclesiastical city, has been immense ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

Hold Fast in the Meantime this Persuasion, While I Examine a ...
... are requisite both for the business and commerce of life ... when He is girt about with
a linen towel [406 ... we use along with others these articles, but challenging ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter viii hold fast in.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... Royalty"The constitution of the family and its property"Chaldaean commerce and industry. ...
of meat either cooked or smoked, to change the body-linen, to wear ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... the increasing demands of the consumer, the waning commerce which had ... represented
on the tomb of liakhmiri among the articles of tribute ... Some linen, cotton, or ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... under which are the entrances to the "chambers" (dit) for the stores, which are
filled with jars of wine, linen- chests, dried fish, and other articles. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... was carried on through the mouths of the Nile, and of this commerce the Phoenicians ...
Shiloh at the age of three years, and there, clothed in a linen tunic and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... and comprehensive term, but the voyages of the Phoenicians and the travels of the
"Royal Messengers," as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The interior was panelled with cedar or cypress"rare woods procured as articles
of commerce from the peoples of the North and West; this woodwork was inlaid ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... with whom one might enter freely into commerce, as he ... always worn, the festive garment
at meals being of linen. ... colouring' in this as in other articles of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm