Topical Bible: Garments: Materials Used for Skins

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In biblical times, garments made from animal skins were among the earliest forms of clothing mentioned in the Scriptures. The use of skins for clothing is first introduced in the Book of Genesis, where God Himself provides garments for Adam and Eve. After the fall, "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). This act signifies not only God's provision but also the covering of human shame and sin, symbolizing a deeper spiritual truth of atonement and protection.

Animal skins were a practical choice for clothing due to their durability and availability. The nomadic and pastoral lifestyle of many biblical figures made the use of animal skins a logical option. Skins provided warmth and protection against the elements, which was essential for survival in the varied climates of the ancient Near East.

The use of skins is also evident in the attire of prophets and other significant biblical figures. For instance, Elijah is described as wearing a garment of hair with a leather belt around his waist (2 Kings 1:8). This description is echoed in the New Testament with John the Baptist, who wore "a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist" (Matthew 3:4). Such attire was not only practical but also symbolized a life of simplicity and asceticism, often associated with prophetic ministry.

The Levitical laws also make mention of skins, particularly in the context of offerings and sacrifices. The skin of the burnt offering was given to the priest who offered it (Leviticus 7:8), indicating the value and utility of skins even in religious practices. This provision for the priests underscores the importance of skins as a resource and a form of sustenance for those serving in the temple.

In the broader cultural context, the use of animal skins for garments was common among various ancient civilizations. However, in the biblical narrative, the use of skins carries additional theological significance. It serves as a reminder of humanity's need for divine covering and the provision of God in both physical and spiritual realms.

The symbolic use of skins in Scripture also points to the ultimate covering provided through Christ. Just as God clothed Adam and Eve, believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. The imagery of garments and skins thus weaves through the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of provision, protection, and redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptural Types.
... shadowed forth, we begin with the materials used in its ... outer sanctuary, was of the
same materials, but without ... Of the high priest's garments, made by divine ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Secret of Its Greatness
... of thy companions,' he cries; 'put on thy garments, call for ... two or three different
kinds of letters and materials. ... on tablets of clay like those used by the ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ii the secret of.htm

The Era of Persecution
... of dogs; others again, smeared over with combustible materials, were used as torches ...
of wild beasts and mangled by dogs; and, their garments being dipped ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

On Clothes.
... For these superfluous and diaphanous materials are the proof ... and render the fabrics
of the garments weak; and ... Elias used a sheepskin mantle, and fastened the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... great quantity of spices; for of these materials did Moses ... to do their parts, about
the garments of the ... at the gates, the eleventh curtain being used for this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... the first, and when intact could not have been more than 26 to 30 feet high.* Many
bricks bearing the stamp of Dungi are found among the materials used in the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Matt. xiv. 13
... least think, He makes it out of the materials which they ... seemly should be even inwoven
in your garments, these are ... For he that has been used to be frantic and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlix matt xiv 13.htm

Chapter xxvi
... gains in curtness when the verb "get" (qach) is used without an ... Jacob provides the
materials, Rebekah prepares them ... to Esau if Jacob wears "the garments" of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... the term tabernacle' is, indeed, already used in the ... and purple were the most expensive
materials, only inferior ... The white garments of the High-Priest on the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... outset, flint and bone, clay, baked and unbaked, formed the only materials for their ...
These ancient Trojans used copper, and we encounter only rarely a kind of ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm