Flax is a plant of significant importance in biblical times, primarily due to its use in producing linen, a fabric highly valued for its quality and utility. The cultivation and processing of flax into linen are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, highlighting its role in the daily life and religious practices of ancient Israel.

Cultivation and Processing

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a plant that thrives in the fertile regions of the Near East. The process of transforming flax into linen involves several steps, including harvesting, retting, drying, and weaving. The fibers extracted from the flax plant are spun into threads and woven into linen cloth. This labor-intensive process underscores the value and significance of linen in biblical times.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently references flax and linen, indicating their widespread use and symbolic importance. In the book of Exodus, linen is notably used in the construction of the Tabernacle. Exodus 26:1 states, "You are to construct the Tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." This passage highlights the use of fine linen in sacred spaces, symbolizing purity and holiness.

Linen garments were also worn by priests, as described in Leviticus 6:10 : "The priest is to put on his linen robe and linen undergarments." The use of linen for priestly garments signifies the sanctity and separation required for those serving in the presence of God.

Symbolism and Usage

Linen's association with purity and righteousness is further emphasized in the prophetic and poetic books of the Bible. In Proverbs 31:13 , the virtuous woman is described as one who "selects wool and flax and works with eager hands," illustrating the industrious and virtuous nature of managing a household.

In the New Testament, linen continues to hold symbolic meaning. The burial of Jesus is described in John 19:40 : "So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom." The use of linen in Jesus' burial underscores its association with dignity and respect.

Economic and Cultural Significance

Flax and linen were not only important for religious and symbolic reasons but also held economic significance. The production and trade of linen were vital to the economy of ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is depicted as engaging in the trade of linen garments, reflecting the economic value of this commodity.

In Ezekiel 27:7 , the city of Tyre is described as using "fine embroidered linen from Egypt" for its sails, indicating the widespread trade and high regard for linen across the ancient world.

Conclusion

Flax and the linen produced from it are woven into the fabric of biblical history, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and economic prosperity. The numerous references to flax and linen throughout the Scriptures highlight their integral role in the religious, cultural, and economic life of the biblical world.Proverbs 31:13
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 19:6
And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defense shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 2:5,9
For their mother has played the harlot: she that conceived them has done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.
Nave's Topical Index

1040. bussos -- byssus (a species of flax), also (the) linen (made ...
... Cognate: 1040 -- , ie a very expensive (sought-after) form of linen -- "a specific
species of Egyptian flax or linen made from it that is very costly, delicate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1040.htm - 6k6593. pesheth -- flax, linen
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition flax, linen NASB Word Usage
flax (6), linen (9), linen made from flax (1). flax, linen. ...
/hebrew/6593.htm - 6k

Egypt.
... into their fields and meadows; they cultivated the soil till it was one beautiful
garden; they wove their flax into fine linen; and they made bricks of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iii egypt.htm

Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... 2. Over this he wore a linen vestment, made of fine flax doubled: it is called Chethone,
and denotes linen, for we call linen by the name of Chethone. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning the garments.htm

Of the Question Whether the First Three Evangelists are Quite in ...
... with the most perfect truth that "they wound Him in linen clothes." For the phrase,
linen clothes, is one applied generally to all textures made of flax. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxiii of the question whether.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... the foundation of this resemblance; but the fine flax and the ... by reason of their
stock, but still made use of ... them went up to the altar clothed in fine linen. ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... The byssus, or fine linen of Egypt, was produced from flax, which grew on ... of this
parable is derived from rabbinical teaching, that our Lord made use of a ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 6.htm

Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old...
... the old man, saying: Thou hast been made blessed in ... the silk, and the blue, [1637]
and the fine linen, and the scarlet, and the purple, and the fine flax. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 8 now it came.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... of linen, signifying earth, because linen, ie flax, grows out of the earth; purple,
signifying water, because the purple tint was made from certain shells ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... Sixthly, there was the tiara or mitre which was made of linen. ... For the linen
breeches signified the earth out of which the flax grows. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Portrait of a Matron
... She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with ... She maketh fine linen, and
selleth it; and delivereth ... a field, and buyeth it,' and has made money enough ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/portrait of a matron.htm

On Clothes.
... I say nothing of the linens made of Amorgos [1548] and Byssus. ... Hermas speaks of
"pure undressed linen." Book iii. ... [1548] Flax grown in the island of Amorgos. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Matthew | GotQuestions.org

What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org

Flax: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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