Topical Bible: Dress: Embroidered Coat

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The embroidered coat, often referred to in biblical texts, is a garment of significant cultural and religious importance in ancient Israelite society. This attire is mentioned in various contexts, symbolizing status, favor, and sometimes divine appointment.

Biblical References:

One of the most notable mentions of an embroidered coat is in the account of Joseph, the son of Jacob. In Genesis 37:3, it is written, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors." This robe, often interpreted as an embroidered coat, signifies Jacob's special affection for Joseph, setting him apart from his brothers and ultimately leading to their jealousy and the subsequent events in Joseph's life.

The Hebrew term used for Joseph's coat, "ketonet passim," is often translated as a "tunic of many colors" or "a richly ornamented robe." The exact nature of the embroidery or the colors is not detailed, but the garment's distinctiveness is emphasized, indicating its role as a symbol of favor and distinction.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clothing was a marker of identity, status, and role within society. An embroidered coat would have been a luxury item, suggesting wealth and prominence. The craftsmanship involved in creating such a garment would require skilled artisans, and the materials used would likely be of high quality, further underscoring the garment's value.

In the context of the priesthood, embroidered garments held particular significance. Exodus 28:39-40 describes the garments for Aaron and his sons, including tunics, sashes, and caps, which were to be made "for glory and for beauty." The use of embroidery in these priestly garments symbolized the beauty and holiness required of those serving in the tabernacle, setting them apart for their sacred duties.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The embroidered coat, particularly in the account of Joseph, can be seen as a symbol of divine favor and providence. Joseph's journey from favored son to a position of power in Egypt illustrates the unfolding of God's plan, despite human jealousy and betrayal. The coat serves as a tangible reminder of the special role Joseph was to play in the history of Israel.

In a broader theological context, the embroidered coat can be viewed as a metaphor for the righteousness and favor bestowed upon believers. Just as Joseph was clothed in a garment that set him apart, Christians are called to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).

Conclusion:

The embroidered coat in biblical narrative is more than a mere article of clothing; it is a rich symbol of favor, identity, and divine purpose. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on the themes of God's providence, the nature of true righteousness, and the calling of individuals to fulfill their God-given roles within His redemptive plan.

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Exodus 28:4,40
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
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1 Samuel 2:19
Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
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Daniel 3:21
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the middle of the burning fiery furnace.
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Library

Devout Customs and Usages
... "The Cassock is a long coat, close-fitting ... ornamented with a Y-shaped cross, which
is often embroidered. ... This dress, with local differences, is worn in all {110 ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... Its edge was embroidered with gold flowers ... She wore her wedding-dress again in the
Temple several times ... Joseph wore a long full coat of pale blue, fastened down ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... left pressed against her bosom; she is arrayed in a short dress embroidered over
with ... was found necessary in several places to cover it with a coat of stucco ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Day of Atonement
... The golden mitre was laid aside, the embroidered vest was ... he came out simply with
the holy linen coat, the linen ... bear this out, that the priest's dress on this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... along the street with flowing hair and in a peculiar dress, who gets ... because he is
decked out with some fringe, or embroidered keys on his coat tails, or a ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... himself 'troubled' to see at Durham, among other 'superstitions' 'richly embroidered
IHS upon the ... honoured only by the putting on of a better dress, so the ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... nor were they hung with dyed or embroidered draperies such ... most they were only covered
with a coat of white ... We notice the same head-dress on several intaglios ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Memphite Empire
... the dress with a purity and delicate grace which one does not always find in more
modern works of art. The wig, secured on the forehead by a richly embroidered ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Ezekiel 16:8: I covered thee with embroidered gold: and ... Women will dress their children,
that every one may see ... thou differest from us, but by the coat that is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm