Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, garments often hold significant symbolic meaning, representing one's status, role, or spiritual condition. Among the various references to garments in the Scriptures, the critique of the scribes and Pharisees for making broad the borders of their garments is particularly noteworthy. This critique is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus addresses the practices of these religious leaders.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to this practice is found in Matthew 23:5, where Jesus speaks to the crowds and His disciples about the scribes and Pharisees: "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments" . This passage highlights the tendency of the scribes and Pharisees to perform religious acts for the sake of public recognition rather than genuine devotion to God. Cultural and Religious Context: In ancient Jewish tradition, garments held religious significance, particularly the fringes or tassels (known as tzitzit) attached to the corners of one's cloak. These tassels served as a physical reminder of the commandments of God, as instructed in Numbers 15:38-39: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, they are to make tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at so that you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes" . The practice of wearing phylacteries, small boxes containing Scripture passages, was also a common religious observance. These were worn on the forehead and arm during prayer, as a literal interpretation of Deuteronomy 6:8: "Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads" . Critique of the Scribes and Pharisees: The scribes and Pharisees, as religious leaders, were expected to model piety and adherence to the Law. However, Jesus criticized them for their ostentatious display of religiosity. By broadening their phylacteries and lengthening the tassels of their garments, they sought to draw attention to their supposed piety and elevate their status in the eyes of others. This behavior was contrary to the spirit of the Law, which emphasized humility, sincerity, and a heart devoted to God. Jesus' condemnation of these practices underscores the importance of inner righteousness over outward appearances. The scribes and Pharisees' focus on external displays of devotion was a manifestation of their hypocrisy, as they neglected the weightier matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Theological Implications: The critique of the scribes and Pharisees serves as a cautionary message for believers, emphasizing the need for authenticity in one's spiritual life. It challenges individuals to examine their motives and ensure that their religious practices are rooted in a genuine love for God and His commandments, rather than a desire for human approval. In the broader biblical narrative, garments often symbolize one's spiritual state. The emphasis on the heart's condition over external appearances is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 16:7: "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . This principle calls believers to pursue a faith that is sincere and pleasing to God, marked by humility and true devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Woes on the Pharisees Among the People, and with the Pharisees Matt. xxiii. 1-3. Leadership for Service The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What was the significance of the priestly garments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is there any significance to colors in the Bible? | 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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