Topical Bible: Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing

◄ Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The use of sheep's wool for clothing is a practice deeply rooted in biblical history, reflecting both the agrarian lifestyle of ancient peoples and the providence of God in supplying the needs of His people. Wool, as a natural fiber, is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing purity, provision, and the craftsmanship of skilled hands.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible frequently references wool in the context of clothing, highlighting its importance in daily life and religious practices. In Proverbs 31:13, the virtuous woman is described as one who "selects wool and flax and works with eager hands," illustrating the industrious nature of women in managing household needs and the value placed on wool as a resource.

Wool's association with purity is evident in Isaiah 1:18, where the Lord declares, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Here, wool symbolizes the cleansing and forgiveness that God offers, emphasizing its role as a metaphor for spiritual renewal.

Cultural and Practical Uses

In ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of the economy, providing not only meat and milk but also wool for clothing. The process of shearing sheep and spinning wool into thread was a common domestic task, essential for creating garments that provided warmth and protection. The production of woolen clothing was a skilled craft, often involving the entire family in the preparation and weaving processes.

The significance of wool is further underscored in the laws given to the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 22:11, the Israelites are instructed, "Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together." This command reflects the broader principle of maintaining distinctiveness and purity in their daily lives, as well as adherence to God's specific instructions.

Religious and Ritual Significance

Wool also held religious significance in the context of offerings and temple service. In Leviticus 13:47-48, woolen garments are mentioned in the laws concerning leprosy, indicating the material's prevalence and importance. The priests' garments, while primarily made of linen, would have been familiar with wool as a common textile of the time.

The use of wool in religious contexts extends to the New Testament, where Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is depicted as caring for His flock, a metaphor that would resonate with those familiar with the pastoral life and the value of sheep and their wool.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of wool as a material for clothing reflects its integral role in the daily and spiritual lives of God's people. From the virtuous woman's industriousness to the symbolic purity of wool, this natural fiber serves as a testament to God's provision and the cultural practices of ancient Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:20
If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 31:13
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 34:3
You eat the fat, and you clothe you with the wool, you kill them that are fed: but you feed not the flock.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Clothes.
... the creature suffers a new transformation into a third ... sings, "The daughters of kings
made Thee glad ... of clothing, saying, "Ye are sheep's wool." Though Miletus ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... The cow gives her milk and her meat, and the sheep both wool and meat ... I serve thee
because I was made for thee, and do thou serve Him who made thee and me ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

Events During the War
... We sheared our own sheep, washed and picked the wool, and sent it to ... Mother made
all the clothing for the family"underwear, pants, vests, coats, and even ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iv events during the.htm

On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ...
... one time the water becomes snow like wool, at another ... have sprung diverse natures,
the gentle sheep and the ... limbs serve thee; they are excellently made for the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture ix on the words.htm

Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation.
... hastening to forecover what, in his newly made body, it was ... preferred to assign all
the management of wool-work and ... Nor do I speak of the sheep of Miletus, and ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter iii beasts similarly subject to.htm

'Make the Tree Good'
... as a test to false teachers, who hide, beneath the wool of the sheep's clothing,
the fangs ... fruit is true to the tree, so, after all allowance made for ups ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/make the tree good.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... to provide food for themselves, he made this provision ... of the utter destruction and
consumption of their sheep and goats, till they had no wool to make ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

John Chapter i. 5-Jan
... from the bird to the sheep; from the sheep to the ... soul, and a cord has a soul, and
wool, and clothing ... That life, then, by which all things were made, is itself ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate i john chapter i.htm

V. ...
... is nothing else but to preach the Gospel, whereby souls are nourished, made fat
and ... of those who willingly minister, and do not seek the wool of the sheep. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter v v .htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... must in its season, and take away My wool and My ... which the actual good shepherd places
before his sheep, but of ... Achor is by nature, and what it is made by the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm