Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the image of a young woman dressed in robes of various colors is a symbol of distinction, purity, and often, a particular status within her family or society. This imagery is most notably associated with Tamar, the daughter of King David, as described in the Old Testament.Tamar, Daughter of King David Tamar is introduced in 2 Samuel 13, where she is described as a beautiful young woman, the daughter of King David and sister to Absalom. Her account is one of both tragedy and significance, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the consequences of sin. The Berean Standard Bible describes her attire in 2 Samuel 13:18: "Now she was wearing a robe of many colors, for this is what the virgin daughters of the king wore in those days." The robe of many colors worn by Tamar signifies her status as a virgin daughter of the king, a position of honor and distinction. This garment not only represents her purity but also her royal lineage and the expectations placed upon her as a member of the king's household. The specific mention of her attire underscores the gravity of the events that follow, as her brother Amnon's actions lead to her disgrace and the subsequent turmoil within David's family. Symbolism and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing was a significant indicator of one's social status, role, and identity. The "robe of many colors" or "ornate robe" (as translated in various versions) was a garment that set apart the wearer as someone of importance and privilege. For young women like Tamar, such attire was a public declaration of their virginity and eligibility for marriage, marking them as individuals of high moral and social standing. The use of colorful robes can also be seen in the account of Joseph, whose "robe of many colors" given by his father Jacob (Genesis 37:3) similarly signifies favoritism and distinction, though it ultimately leads to jealousy and strife among his brothers. In both narratives, the robe serves as a narrative device that highlights the character's unique position and the unfolding of God's providential plans, even amidst human failings. Moral and Theological Implications The account of Tamar, while deeply tragic, serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of women in biblical times and the need for justice and righteousness. Her account calls attention to the moral failings of those in power and the devastating impact of sin on individuals and families. It also underscores the importance of protecting and valuing the dignity of women, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture. In a broader theological sense, the image of a young woman dressed in robes of various colors can be seen as a metaphor for the beauty and purity that God desires for His people. It reflects the call to live lives set apart, clothed in righteousness and adorned with the virtues that honor God. As such, the narrative invites reflection on the ways in which believers are called to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual, recognizing the inherent value bestowed by the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 13:18And she had a garment of divers colors on her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins appareled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 45:14 Library Memoir of John Bunyan The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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