A satchel, in biblical times, was a type of bag or pouch used for carrying provisions, personal items, or other necessities. While the term "satchel" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, similar items such as bags, pouches, or sacks are referenced throughout the Scriptures. These items were essential for daily life in ancient times, serving practical purposes for travelers, shepherds, and merchants.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Travel and Provision: In the context of travel, a satchel or similar bag would have been indispensable. Jesus instructed His disciples regarding their journeys, emphasizing reliance on God's provision. In Matthew 10:9-10 , Jesus says, "Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions." Here, the "bag" mentioned could be likened to a satchel, highlighting the disciples' dependence on hospitality and divine provision rather than material preparation.

2. Symbol of Readiness: The use of a bag or satchel can also symbolize readiness and preparedness. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins carried extra oil in their flasks, akin to a satchel, demonstrating their preparedness for the bridegroom's arrival. This parable underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and vigilance.

3. Shepherds and Daily Life: Shepherds, like David, would have used a satchel or similar pouch to carry supplies. In 1 Samuel 17:40 , it is written, "Then he took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine." David's use of a shepherd's bag to carry stones for his sling illustrates the practical use of such items in daily tasks and confrontations.

4. Merchants and Trade: In the context of trade, merchants would have used bags or satchels to carry goods or money. Proverbs 1:14 mentions, "Throw in your lot with us; let us all have one purse," indicating the communal sharing of resources, which would have been carried in a shared bag or satchel.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a satchel or similar bag was typically made from leather or woven materials, designed to be durable and portable. The design and size varied depending on its intended use, whether for short journeys, shepherding, or trade. The satchel's role in daily life reflects the simplicity and resourcefulness of biblical times, where individuals relied on minimal possessions and trusted in God's provision.

Spiritual Significance

The concept of a satchel, while practical, also carries spiritual symbolism. It represents the idea of carrying one's burdens and provisions, both physical and spiritual. In a broader sense, it can symbolize the Christian's journey through life, where reliance on God and readiness for His call are paramount. The satchel, as a vessel for carrying essentials, reminds believers of the importance of spiritual preparedness and trust in God's provision for their needs.(n.) A little sack or bag for carrying papers, books, or small articles of wearing apparel; a hand bag.SATCHEL

sach'-el.

See BAG.

Mercury.
... I see a marvellous thing, a god flying with a little satchel. Run, poor
creatures, with your lap spread open when he flies, that ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/ix mercury.htm

Coming to New York
... the custom of most New England matrons of those days"I wonder sometimes whether
they are as careful now to do the same"placed in my satchel a Bible; and ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/coming to new york.htm

Isaiah's Prophecies Considered the virginity of Christ's Mother a ...
... They are, I ween, taught to lance before they lacerate; [3259] swathed at first
in sunshine and ointment, [3260] afterwards armed with the satchel, [3261] and ...
/.../chapter xiii isaiahs prophecies considered the.htm

Christ's Charge to his Heralds
... The 'wallet' was a leather satchel or bag, used by shepherds and others to carry
a little food; sustenance, then, was also to be left uncared for. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/christs charge to his heralds.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... In these bags there chanced to be a kind of rope or, as it is called in Spanish,
soga, with which he was in the habit of fastening his satchel to the pony's ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 57.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... from Petersburg, is in the habit on his return from the latter place, whither he
is frequently sent by his master, to carry with him a satchel filled with ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 6.htm

Account of Proceedings in the Peninsula
... I twice sallied forth one morning alone and on horseback, and proceeded
to a distant village, bearing behind me a satchel of books. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/account of proceedings in the.htm

New York to California
... At Springfield I lost my satchel and with it my Greek documents, which might have
been very interesting to the reader, yet, I hope in my next publication to ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter vii new york to.htm

A Drama in Five Acts
... seasons, but by ourselves! A few days ago I trudged with my satchel on my
back to school, or joined in boyish sport. How lately was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a drama in five acts.htm

Satchel
... carrying papers, books, or small articles of wearing apparel; a hand bag. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SATCHEL. sach'-el. See BAG. ...
/s/satchel.htm - 6k

Bag (52 Occurrences)
... (2) "Bag" translates also a word ballantion which stands for the more finished leather
pouch, or satchel which served as a "purse" (see Christ's words, Luke 10 ...
/b/bag.htm - 29k

Satan's (5 Occurrences)

/s/satan's.htm - 8k

Crispingpin
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Isaiah 3:22; RV, "satchel"), some kind of female
ornament, probably like the modern reticule. The Hebrew ...
/c/crispingpin.htm - 6k

Crisping-pin
... pins . Easton's Bible Dictionary (Isaiah 3:22; RV, "satchel"), some kind
of female ornament, probably like the modern reticule. The ...
/c/crisping-pin.htm - 6k

Satchels (1 Occurrence)

/s/satchels.htm - 6k

Scrip (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A small bag; a wallet; a satchel. 2. (n.) A small
writing, certificate, or schedule; a piece of paper containing a writing. ...
/s/scrip.htm - 10k

Family (438 Occurrences)
... Cheapness of transportation gives him the opportunity he desires. So with a satchel
he goes hunting, much as a barbarian roams the forest for game, alone. ...
/f/family.htm - 87k

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