In biblical times, girdles were an essential part of the attire for both men and women, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The girdle, often a belt or sash, was used to secure garments, allowing for ease of movement and readiness for action. It was typically made from leather, cloth, or other materials, and could be simple or ornate, depending on the wearer's status and wealth.

The act of girding oneself was often associated with preparation and readiness, whether for work, travel, or battle. Conversely, the removal of the girdle signified a state of rest, relaxation, or the end of labor. This practice is reflected in various biblical passages, where the girdle's removal symbolizes a transition from activity to rest.

In the Book of Isaiah, the imagery of loosening the girdle is used to depict a state of vulnerability and cessation of labor. Isaiah 5:27 states, "None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps; no belt is loosened at the waist, no sandal strap is broken." Here, the unloosened belt signifies continuous readiness and activity, implying that the opposite—loosening the belt—would indicate rest or inactivity.

The girdle also held cultural and spiritual significance. In the context of priestly garments, the girdle was part of the sacred attire, as described in Exodus 28:4 : "These are the garments they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests." The girdle, or sash, was integral to the priestly garments, symbolizing readiness to serve and minister before the Lord.

In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of girding oneself is evident in the teachings of Jesus. In Luke 12:35-36 , Jesus instructs His followers, "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once." The call to be "dressed for service" implies a state of readiness, contrasting with the removal of the girdle, which would indicate a lack of preparedness.

The Apostle Paul also employs the imagery of girding in Ephesians 6:14 , where he exhorts believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Here, the belt of truth represents spiritual readiness and integrity, essential for standing firm in the faith.

In summary, the girdle in biblical times was more than a mere accessory; it was a symbol of readiness and preparedness. Its removal marked a transition to rest and relaxation, a practice deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of the people of the Bible.Isaiah 5:27
None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the lace of their shoes be broken:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 13:4
He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... on, and showed Titus the coats and girdles of the ... quantity of other sweet spices,
[30] which used to be ... And thus did the Romans, when they had taken such great ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

A Glance at the Disciples of Jesus on Holy Saturday.
... small compartments like cells, which were used by the ... on the couches, took off their
sandals, girdles, and a ... and frightful events that had taken place; besides ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lviii a glance at.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... For this purpose they had taken away or arranged differently ... to be set up against
the wall and used at the ... Some of them had a pouch hanging from their girdles. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... whom confined and mortified their loins with girdles of skin ... rubbed your cheeks with
rouge and used whitelead to ... and besides your baptismal vow have taken a new ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... God's watchmen are not taken on by the hour, to ... The Lord girdles the globe with
intercessions, by his daily ... that very many of God's promises are seldom used. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

Article xxvii (xiii): of Monastic Vows.
... And they used them on account of bodily advantage, that ... receiving another hood, or
other sandals, or other girdles. ... children, but even life, to be taken from us ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 35 article xxvii xiii .htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... sea is good in the eyes of God, because it girdles the isles ... [1520] krouma, properly
"beat," "stroke," is used of the ... [1529] This illustration is taken from the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

Chapter iii
... the word means "to gird oneself"; primitive girdles is all ... Therefore Yahweh is used,
as well as 'Elohim. ... one very necessary step that must be taken before this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iii.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... of God." So here again he hath used the expression ... A wife again, should a broil have
taken place, will ... costly robes, and fine lawn, belted with golden girdles. ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... Wisdom used him to sing her praise, [424] and he ... that good part which shall not be
taken away from ... Their dress is sombre, their girdles are of sackcloth, their ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

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