In biblical times, girdles were essential garments worn around the loins, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. These items, often made of leather or cloth, were used to secure clothing, carry tools or weapons, and signify readiness for action or service. The girdle is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its importance in daily life and spiritual symbolism.

Practical Use and Symbolism

The girdle was a fundamental part of the attire for both men and women in ancient Israel. It was typically worn over a tunic and served to hold the garment in place, allowing for ease of movement. In Exodus 12:11, the Israelites are instructed to eat the Passover meal with their loins girded, indicating readiness for the journey out of Egypt: "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover."

Girdles also had a symbolic role, representing preparedness and strength. In Ephesians 6:14, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a girdle to describe the "belt of truth" as part of the armor of God: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." This metaphor emphasizes the importance of truth and integrity in the life of a believer.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In the Old Testament, girdles were often associated with priests and their sacred duties. The priestly garments included a sash or girdle, as described in Exodus 28:4: "These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve Me as priests." The girdle signified the priest's readiness to serve and his consecration to God.

Prophets also used girdles as symbolic acts to convey God's messages. In Jeremiah 13:1-11, the prophet is instructed to wear a linen girdle and then hide it in a crevice of the rocks, symbolizing the pride of Judah and Jerusalem and their eventual ruin due to disobedience.

Girdles in Daily Life

Beyond their religious significance, girdles were practical items in everyday life. They were used to carry money, as seen in Matthew 10:9, where Jesus instructs His disciples, "Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts." This indicates that girdles often had pouches or were used to secure small items.

Girdles also played a role in labor and warfare. In 2 Kings 4:29, Elisha instructs Gehazi, "Gird up your loins, take my staff in your hand, and go." This phrase, "gird up your loins," was a common expression meaning to prepare for strenuous activity or battle, highlighting the girdle's role in enabling swift and unhindered movement.

Conclusion

The girdle, as worn upon the loins, was a multifaceted garment in biblical times, serving practical, symbolic, and religious purposes. Its frequent mention in Scripture underscores its significance in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel.1 Kings 2:5
Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 13:1,11
Thus said the LORD to me, Go and get you a linen girdle, and put it on your loins, and put it not in water.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... mysteries, and were then to unloose their girdles and throw ... avoided, what garments
were to be worn, and what ... this accusation, and throw the blame upon some of ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... that no profane person may look upon God's sanctuary ... deliberately lower your voice
as though worn out with ... Their dress is sombre, their girdles are of sackcloth ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... And their influence, not only upon Jews, but on Jewish ... Resurrection-body, the bone
Luz, the dress worn, and the ... is to be made into tents, girdles, necklets, or ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

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