Topical Bible: King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe

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In the biblical context, the role of the "Keeper of the Wardrobe" is a specialized position within the royal court, responsible for the maintenance and management of the king's garments and possibly other ceremonial attire. This position is mentioned in the context of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah, where the king's wardrobe would have been an important aspect of royal life, reflecting both status and authority.

The Keeper of the Wardrobe is referenced in 2 Kings 22:14 and 2 Chronicles 34:22, where it is noted that Huldah the prophetess was consulted by Hilkiah the priest and others, including "Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe" . This indicates that the Keeper of the Wardrobe was a person of some standing, involved in significant religious and political consultations.

Subordinate officers under the Keeper of the Wardrobe would have been tasked with various duties to ensure the smooth operation of the wardrobe's functions. These duties likely included the care and repair of garments, the organization and cataloging of clothing items, and the preparation of attire for the king's public appearances and ceremonial events. The subordinates would have needed to possess skills in textiles and an understanding of the cultural and ceremonial significance of the garments.

The role of the Keeper of the Wardrobe and his subordinates can be seen as part of the broader administrative structure of the ancient Israelite monarchy. This structure was designed to support the king's rule and maintain the dignity and splendor of the royal court. The wardrobe, as a symbol of the king's majesty, required careful management, and the subordinates played a crucial role in upholding this aspect of the monarchy.

In a spiritual sense, the meticulous care of the king's garments can be seen as a reflection of the biblical emphasis on purity, order, and the proper presentation of oneself before God and others. The garments of the king were not merely functional but carried symbolic weight, representing the king's authority and the divine order established by God.

The subordinates of the Keeper of the Wardrobe, though not explicitly named in the biblical text, were integral to the daily operations of the royal household. Their work ensured that the king was always presented in a manner befitting his role as God's appointed leader over His people.

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2 Kings 22:14
So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelled in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
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2 Chronicles 34:22
And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelled in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spoke to her to that effect.
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Library

The Political Constitution of Egypt
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