Topical Bible: Leather: Belts of

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In biblical times, leather belts were a common and practical accessory, serving both functional and symbolic purposes. The use of leather, derived from animal hides, was prevalent in the ancient Near East due to its durability and availability. Leather belts are mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible, often associated with notable figures and serving as a symbol of readiness and strength.

One of the most prominent references to a leather belt is found in the description of John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Matthew, John is depicted as wearing a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist: "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3:4). This attire is significant as it aligns John with the prophet Elijah, who is described in the Old Testament as "a hairy man with a leather belt around his waist" (2 Kings 1:8). The leather belt, in this context, symbolizes a prophetic calling and a life of asceticism and dedication to God's mission.

Leather belts also served practical purposes, such as securing garments and carrying tools or weapons. In Ephesians 6:14, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a belt to convey spiritual readiness: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed" . Here, the belt represents truth, an essential component of the Christian's spiritual armor, signifying preparedness and integrity in the believer's life.

The use of leather belts in biblical narratives often underscores themes of preparedness, strength, and divine mission. They are emblematic of the wearer's role and character, whether it be a prophet like John the Baptist or a soldier equipped for spiritual battle. The leather belt, therefore, holds both practical and symbolic significance within the biblical text, reflecting the cultural and spiritual milieu of the times.

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2 Kings 1:8
And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
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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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Library

The Mutiny of 1857-58.
... They were injudiciously required there to put on the English military hat, to shave
their beards, and put on leather belts, which they maintained were made of ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvi the mutiny of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... So fierce were the pangs of hunger that men would gnaw the leather of their
belts and sandals and the covering of their shields. ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... So fierce were the pangs of hunger that men would gnaw the leather of their
belts and sandals and the covering of their shields. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Concerning Military Service.
... And yet Moses carried a rod, [316] and Aaron wore a buckle, [317] and John (Baptist)
is girt with leather [318] and Joshua the son ... 318] As soldiers with belts. ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xix concerning military service.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, while from their arms, necks, and belts hung
long ... a basket of esparto grass on the back, supported by a leather band which ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm