Topical Encyclopedia In ancient Jewish burial customs, the practice of wrapping the deceased in linen with spices was a significant ritual, reflecting both respect for the dead and adherence to cultural and religious traditions. This practice is notably mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ's burial.Biblical Context The Gospel of John provides a detailed account of Jesus' burial, highlighting the use of linen and spices. After Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, requested permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body for burial. Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus at night, accompanied Joseph. John 19:39-40 states, "Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom." This passage underscores the Jewish custom of using spices in burial practices. The mixture of myrrh and aloes was significant, as myrrh was a costly resin used for embalming, and aloes were fragrant wood powders. The substantial amount of spices used indicates the honor and reverence given to Jesus in His burial. Cultural and Religious Significance The use of linen and spices in burial was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Linen, a clean and pure fabric, symbolized purity and respect. The application of spices served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, spices helped to mask the odor of decay. Symbolically, they represented the honor and care given to the deceased, reflecting the belief in the sanctity of the body even after death. The practice of wrapping the dead in linen with spices is also seen in the burial of Lazarus. In John 11:44 , when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it is noted, "The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth." This indicates that Lazarus had been prepared for burial in a manner consistent with Jewish customs. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the burial of Jesus in linen with spices holds profound significance. It fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 , which states, "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death." Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man, provided his own tomb for Jesus' burial, aligning with this prophecy. Moreover, the care taken in Jesus' burial foreshadows His resurrection. The wrapping in linen and spices, while signifying death, also sets the stage for the miraculous event of the resurrection. The empty linen cloths found in the tomb by Peter and John (John 20:6-7) serve as a testament to Jesus' victory over death. Conclusion The practice of wrapping the dead in linen with spices is a testament to the cultural, religious, and theological dimensions of burial customs in biblical times. It reflects the deep respect for the deceased and the hope of resurrection, as exemplified in the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 19:40Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem. The Close of the Theban Empire Concerning Persecution Resources What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead? | GotQuestions.orgIs raising the dead still possible today? | GotQuestions.org Is God dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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