Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, garments held significant value and were often given as presents to convey honor, affection, or covenantal promises. The giving of garments as gifts is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing various aspects of relationships and divine favor.Old Testament Instances 1. Joseph's Coat of Many Colors: One of the most famous instances of garments given as a present is the "coat of many colors" given to Joseph by his father Jacob. This special garment set Joseph apart from his brothers, indicating Jacob's favoritism and the unique role Joseph would play in God's plan. Genesis 37:3 states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors." 2. Jonathan and David: The friendship between Jonathan and David is marked by Jonathan's gift of his own robe to David. This act symbolized Jonathan's recognition of David's future as king and his own loyalty to him. 1 Samuel 18:4 records, "Jonathan stripped off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." 3. Gifts to Elisha: After being healed of leprosy, Naaman the Syrian offered gifts to the prophet Elisha, including garments. Although Elisha refused the gifts, this incident highlights the cultural practice of giving garments as a token of gratitude and respect. 2 Kings 5:5 mentions, "So Naaman went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing." New Testament Context 1. The Prodigal Son: In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father orders the best robe to be put on his returning son, symbolizing restoration and acceptance back into the family. Luke 15:22 states, "But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'" 2. Jesus' Garments: At the crucifixion of Jesus, the soldiers cast lots for His garments, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22:18. This act underscores the value and significance of garments in biblical narratives. John 19:23-24 describes, "When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven from top to bottom. So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it, but instead let us cast lots to see who will get it.' This was to fulfill the Scripture: 'They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.'" Symbolism and Cultural Significance Garments in biblical times were not merely functional but carried deep symbolic meanings. They often represented identity, status, and authority. The act of giving garments as presents was a way to express honor, establish covenants, and demonstrate love or gratitude. In many instances, the exchange of garments signified a transfer of authority or blessing, as seen in the relationship between Jonathan and David. The cultural practice of giving garments as gifts reflects the broader biblical theme of clothing as a metaphor for spiritual truths, such as righteousness, salvation, and divine favor. Throughout Scripture, garments are used to illustrate the transformation and new identity that comes through a relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 45:22To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 5:22 Library How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ... Joshua and the Angel How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. The Malice of Antipater and Doris. Alexander is Very Uneasy on ... How the Samaritans Made a Tumult and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them ... How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and ... Of the Priesthood of Aaron. How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ... "The Least of These My Brethren" Resources Who was Sisera in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does diadem mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Garments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Garments of Israel Preserved for Forty Years Garments of the Poor used As a Covering by Night Garments of the Poor: Not to be Retained in Pledge Garments of the Poor: Provided Specially by God Garments of the Rich of the Finest Materials Garments of the Rich: Embroidered Garments of the Rich: Gorgeous Garments of the Rich: Multiplied and Heaped Up Garments of the Rich: Often Moth-Eaten Garments of the Rich: Perfumed Garments of the Sexes, not to be Interchanged Garments of Those Slain With a Sword not Used Garments were often Fringed and Bordered Garments: (Rolled in Blood) Victory Garments: (Washed in Wine) Abundance Garments: (White) Righteousness Garments: Cleansed by Water from Ceremonial Uncleanness Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Blue Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Different Colours Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Purple Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Scarlet Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: White Garments: Girt up During Employment Garments: Given As a Token of Covenants Garments: Grew Old and Wore Out Garments: Hyke or Upper Garment Garments: Liable to Plague and Leprosy Garments: Materials Used for Camel's Hair Garments: Materials Used for Linen Garments: Materials Used for Sackcloth Garments: Materials Used for Silk Garments: Materials Used for Skins Garments: Materials Used for Wool Garments: Not to be Made of Mixed Materials Garments: Often Rent in Affliction Garments: Scribes and Pharisees Condemned for Making Broad the Borders Garments: Worn Long and Flowing Related Terms |
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