Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, bottles were essential for storing and transporting water, a vital resource in the arid regions of the Near East. The term "bottle" in the Bible often refers to containers made from animal skins, particularly goatskins, which were sewn together and sealed to hold liquids. These skin bottles, also known as "wineskins," were flexible and durable, making them suitable for the nomadic lifestyle of many biblical figures.Old Testament References The use of skin bottles is evident in several Old Testament passages. In Genesis 21:14, Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, is given a skin of water by Abraham as she departs into the wilderness with her son Ishmael: "Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar's shoulders, and sent her away with the boy." This account highlights the practical use of skin bottles for carrying water during travel. In Joshua 9:4, the Gibeonites deceive the Israelites by pretending to come from a distant land, carrying "worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and old wineskins, cracked and mended." This passage illustrates the common use of skin bottles and their susceptibility to wear and tear over time. New Testament References The New Testament also makes mention of bottles, particularly in the context of Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 9:17, Jesus uses the imagery of wineskins to convey a spiritual truth: "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." While this passage primarily addresses the incompatibility of old and new covenants, it also reflects the practical knowledge of skin bottles and their limitations. Cultural and Practical Significance The use of skin bottles for water storage was a practical solution in a time when pottery and other materials were less portable. These bottles were lightweight and could be easily carried by travelers and shepherds. The process of making a skin bottle involved cleaning and tanning the hide, sewing it into a bag, and sealing it to prevent leaks. The flexibility of the material allowed it to expand and contract, accommodating the liquid inside. In addition to their practical use, skin bottles held symbolic significance in biblical literature. They often represented the fragility and transience of human life, as seen in Job 32:19, where Elihu compares his pent-up words to new wine in old wineskins: "Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like new wineskins." Conclusion Bottles made from animal skins were indispensable in biblical times for storing and transporting water. Their presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores their importance in daily life and their symbolic value in conveying spiritual truths. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:14,15,19And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Labors in a New Field The Servant-Master The Shortest of the Seven Cries Colossians ii. 16-19 A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem. Imperial Tombs. What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ... Final Perseverance The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... The Origin of Species. Resources What is servant evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bottles of Sinners Ripe for Judgment Bottles used for Holding: Milk Bottles used for Holding: Water Bottles used for Holding: Wine Bottles: (Broken) of Severe Judgments Bottles: (Dried Up) of the Afflicted Bottles: (Ready to Burst) the Impatient Bottles: Ancients often Drank From Bottles: First Mention of, in Scripture Bottles: Made of Skins: Marred by Age and Use Bottles: Made of Skins: Shrivelled and Dried by Smoke Bottles: Made of Skins: Sometimes Probably of Large Dimensions Bottles: Made of Skins: when Old, Unfit for Holding New Wine Bottles: Some, Made of Earthenware Related Terms |
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