Definition and Usage:
In biblical times, a "sack" was a type of bag or container typically made from coarse materials such as goat's hair or camel's hair. These sacks were used for various purposes, including the storage and transportation of goods like grain, flour, and other commodities. The term "sack" is often associated with the practice of "sackcloth," a garment made from similar coarse material, worn as a sign of mourning or repentance.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 42:25 · "Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them," . In this passage, sacks are used for the practical purpose of carrying grain, highlighting their role in trade and sustenance.

2. Joshua 9:4 · "they acted craftily and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended." . Here, sacks are part of a deceptive plan by the Gibeonites, illustrating their use in everyday life and their symbolic role in narrative strategy.

3. 1 Samuel 9:7 · "If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone, and there is no gift to bring to the man of God. What do we have?" . This verse underscores the importance of sacks in daily provisions and the cultural expectation of offering gifts to prophets.

4. Job 16:15 · "I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my horn in the dust." . Sackcloth, made from the same material as sacks, is used here as a symbol of mourning and humility, reflecting Job's deep sorrow and repentance.

5. Jonah 3:6 · "When word reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." . The use of sackcloth in this context signifies repentance and a plea for divine mercy, a common biblical theme associated with sackcloth.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
Sacks and sackcloth hold significant cultural and religious symbolism in the Bible. They are often associated with humility, repentance, and mourning. The act of wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes was a public demonstration of penitence and a plea for forgiveness from God. This practice is seen in various biblical narratives, where individuals or entire communities don sackcloth to express their contrition and seek divine intervention.

Symbolism:
The coarse texture of sackcloth symbolizes the discomfort and austerity associated with genuine repentance. It serves as a physical manifestation of an inner spiritual state, where the individual acknowledges their sinfulness and seeks reconciliation with God. The use of sackcloth in biblical narratives often accompanies fasting and prayer, further emphasizing the earnestness of the supplicant's appeal to God.

Conclusion:
Sacks in the Bible are more than mere containers; they are imbued with rich symbolic meaning. Whether used for practical purposes or as a symbol of repentance, sacks and sackcloth play a significant role in the biblical narrative, reflecting the cultural and spiritual practices of the time.

Joseph and his Brethren
... Then Joseph commanded to fill their vessels with corn, and to restore every man's
money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus was it ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Where to Find Fruit
... come to him. He does not want your money. If he takes it he will give
it back to you in your sack's mouth. He will receive your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/where to find fruit.htm

Sack's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sack's (3 Occurrences). Genesis 42:27 And as one
of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the ...
/s/sack's.htm - 7k

Sacks (12 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:25 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore
every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and ...
/s/sacks.htm - 10k

Silver (329 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:25 Then Joseph gave a command to fill their bags with grain, and to restore
every man's money into his sack, and to give them food for the way. ...
/s/silver.htm - 48k

Youngest (26 Occurrences)
... Genesis 44:2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, with
his grain money." He did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. ...
/y/youngest.htm - 15k

Goblet (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Goblet (6 Occurrences). Genesis 44:2 And put my cup, the
silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his grain money. ...
/g/goblet.htm - 9k

Espied (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the
inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. ...
/e/espied.htm - 7k

Provender (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the
inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. ...
/p/provender.htm - 10k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... This same word is used of Joseph's cup (Genesis 44:2 f): "Put my cup, the silver
cup, in the sack's mouth." As used at banquets it corresponds to the crater ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

Sack (15 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A measure of varying capacity, according to local usage and the substance.
The American sack of salt is 215 pounds; the sack of wheat, two bushels. ...
/s/sack.htm - 12k

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