Topical Bible: Garments of the Poor used As a Covering by Night

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In biblical times, garments held significant value, often serving multiple purposes beyond mere clothing. For the impoverished, a garment could be one of their most valuable possessions, providing essential warmth and protection, especially during the night. The Bible addresses the use of garments as coverings for the poor, highlighting both the practical and ethical dimensions of this practice.

Biblical Context and Legal Considerations

The Mosaic Law contains specific instructions regarding the treatment of the poor and their garments. In Exodus 22:26-27 , the law states: "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate." This passage underscores the necessity of the garment as a nighttime covering and emphasizes God's compassion for the poor. The cloak, often a large outer garment, doubled as a blanket during the cold nights, making it indispensable for survival.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 24:12-13 reiterates this principle: "If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you. And it will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God." Here, the act of returning the garment is not only a legal obligation but also a righteous deed, reflecting the broader biblical theme of justice and mercy.

Cultural and Social Implications

In ancient Israelite society, the garment's dual role as clothing by day and bedding by night highlights the economic realities faced by the poor. The law's provision to return the garment by sunset reflects a deep understanding of these realities and a commitment to preserving human dignity. The garment's return ensured that even the poorest individuals could maintain a basic level of comfort and protection, preventing further degradation of their already vulnerable state.

The biblical mandate to return a garment taken as collateral also served as a check against exploitation. It reminded the community of their responsibility to care for one another, particularly the marginalized. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that calls for justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Prophetic and Wisdom Literature

The prophetic books and wisdom literature of the Bible echo these themes, often condemning those who oppress the poor or fail to uphold justice. In Amos 2:8 , the prophet rebukes Israel for their injustices: "They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God, they drink wine obtained through fines." This indictment highlights the misuse of garments taken as pledges, contrasting the intended purpose of these laws with the corrupt practices of the time.

The wisdom literature, while not directly addressing the issue of garments, frequently emphasizes the importance of justice and care for the poor. Proverbs 22:22-23 advises: "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." This passage reinforces the biblical call to protect and uphold the rights of the impoverished.

New Testament Reflections

While the New Testament does not specifically address the use of garments as nighttime coverings, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles continue to emphasize care for the poor and the ethical treatment of others. Jesus' parables and teachings often highlight the importance of compassion and mercy, aligning with the Old Testament laws that protect the vulnerable.

In summary, the biblical instructions regarding garments used as coverings by night reflect a deep concern for justice, mercy, and the dignity of every individual. These laws serve as a reminder of the community's responsibility to care for the poor and uphold righteousness in their dealings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 24:13
In any case you shall deliver him the pledge again when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless you: and it shall be righteousness to you before the LORD your God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ignatius Leaves his Native Land --What He did at Montserrat and at ...
... a pair of shoes of coarse stuff that is often used in making ... him and inquired if
he had given certain garments to a ... filled with tears, in pity for the poor man ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter ii ignatius leaves his.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... While the poor used the upper garment for a covering at night, the fashionable wore
the finest white, embroidered, or even purple garments, with curiously ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Bed and Its Covering
... their own webs, and they fashion their own garments, as if ... often; you know the prayers
proper to be used at sea ... to go round you." I have seen the poor souls tug ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the bed and its covering.htm

"Who is My Neighbor?"
... Perhaps he had to tear up his own garments in order ... Little Adelaide used to go to
the river and gather the ... to me: "Papa, suppose we were very poor, and mamma ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter viii who is my.htm

The Purification of Mary
... He was dressed in long garments such as the priests wear when not ... of the triangular
yellow pieces in secret, to be used specially for poor girls who ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the purification of mary.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.
... himself, though I think he hath not been used to it ... He then said, Weel, weel, poor
man, you will not let ... will ly in the mire and make foul hands and garments. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 2.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... who assist the strong to prey on the poor. ... the Gentiles, in their religious rites,
used garments of this ... combinations of seeds, animals and garments, in order ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... his patrimony among his brethren and the poor, and without ... partaken of or to be avoided,
what garments were to ... and stoles for their dress, but used a strange ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... and after their Baptism wore white robes or garments as a ... The brothers were shepherds,
and used to take their flocks ... a kid, and sent it to their poor old father ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 10
... and honorable;" since, if he had not used irony, he ... others is no longer rich, but
is emphatically poor. ... so miserable as those in silks and shining garments. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiii 1 cor iv.htm