Topical Bible: Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Linen

◄ Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Linen ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently noted for its production of fine linen, a highly valued textile in ancient times. The fertile Nile Delta provided ideal conditions for the cultivation of flax, the plant from which linen is made. This natural advantage allowed Egypt to become renowned for its high-quality linen, which was sought after throughout the ancient world, including by the Israelites.

The Bible makes several references to Egypt's fine linen, highlighting its significance and desirability. In Genesis 41:42, Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt, is adorned with garments of fine linen as a symbol of his authority and status: "Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck" . This passage underscores the association of fine linen with nobility and honor.

In the construction of the Tabernacle, the Israelites were instructed to use fine linen, which they likely acquired during their time in Egypt. Exodus 26:1 describes the use of this material: "You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely twisted linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them" . The use of fine linen in the Tabernacle signifies its importance and the high regard in which it was held.

Proverbs 7:16 also alludes to the luxurious nature of Egyptian linen: "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt" . This verse reflects the widespread recognition of Egyptian linen as a symbol of wealth and opulence.

Ezekiel 27:7 further emphasizes the prestige of Egyptian linen in the context of international trade: "Your sail was made of fine embroidered linen from Egypt, and served as your banner; your awnings were of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah" . This passage illustrates the extensive trade networks of the ancient world and the high demand for Egyptian linen.

The prominence of fine linen in Egypt is not only a testament to the nation's agricultural and artisanal capabilities but also serves as a backdrop for various biblical narratives. The luxurious fabric is often associated with themes of purity, wealth, and divine service, reflecting its esteemed status in biblical times.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 7:16
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 19:9
Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... WRITING AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS - PURPLE AND FINE LINEN - JEWISH NOTIONS ... at that time
[4615] ) came from Egypt and India. ... b). The great R. Meir was celebrated as a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... His entry into Egypt was celebrated by solemn festivities ... which the Khati had failed
to take from Egypt. ... by a governor of undoubted loyalty; in fine, the entire ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... odoriferous woods of the Divine Land were celebrated in Egypt ... that the woman was
supreme in Egypt; the man ... More often the ground is coloured a fine yellow, and ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... of all ornament; the sarcophagus, whether of fine limestone, rose ... The celebrated
lawsuit, some details of which are ... of the internal history of Egypt, it would ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... Horus and his companions then celebrated the rites consecrated ... each of those cities
of Egypt which recognized ... animates it sometimes shows its fine and delicate ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Among the most celebrated names in ancient history, that ... Babylon in magnificence
and power: Egypt could boast ... tablets are brought to light"in fine, all those ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

A Question for Communicants
... dumb as the treasures of Nineveh and Egypt were for ... laid in the sepulchre, wrapped
about with fine linen, left there ... It ought to be celebrated every Lord's-day. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a question for communicants.htm

The New Testament Text and Its History.
... notice of a few of the more celebrated manuscripts ... It is written on parchment of
a fine quality in ... whom it was brought from Alexandria in Egypt, where Cyrillus ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxvi the new testament.htm

The Land and the People.
... with the broidered tunic, the fine linen girdle, the ... Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia,
in Egypt and parts ... with Shemaja and Abtalion, two celebrated Pharisees and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... less fertile than that of Chaldaea or of Egypt, was by no ... jewellers from time immemorial;
Mount Bikni was specially celebrated for the fine specimens of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm