Vestures
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Definition and Usage:
The term "vestures" refers to garments or clothing, often with a connotation of ceremonial or significant attire. In biblical contexts, vestures can denote ordinary clothing, priestly garments, or royal robes, symbolizing status, authority, or divine appointment.

Biblical References:

1. Priestly Garments:
Vestures are prominently featured in descriptions of the priestly garments in the Old Testament. The Book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the attire of the priests, particularly the high priest, emphasizing their sacred role. These garments included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific materials and colors (Exodus 28:4-5). The vestures of the priests were not merely functional but symbolized holiness and the consecration of the priests to God’s service.

2. Royal Robes:
Vestures also appear in the context of royalty. In the Book of Esther, Mordecai is honored by King Ahasuerus with royal garments, a symbol of the king's favor and Mordecai's elevated status (Esther 6:8-11). Similarly, Joseph's "robe of many colors" given by his father Jacob signifies his favored position among his brothers (Genesis 37:3).

3. Prophetic and Symbolic Uses:
In prophetic literature, vestures can symbolize righteousness or judgment. Isaiah speaks of God wearing garments of vengeance and salvation (Isaiah 59:17). In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation describes Christ wearing a robe dipped in blood, symbolizing His role as the divine warrior and judge (Revelation 19:13).

4. Christ’s Garments:
The vestures of Jesus hold particular significance in the Gospels. At the crucifixion, Roman soldiers cast lots for His seamless tunic, fulfilling the prophecy from Psalm 22:18, "They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing" (John 19:23-24). This act underscores the fulfillment of Scripture and the humiliation Christ endured.

5. Symbol of Transformation:
Vestures can also symbolize transformation and new identity. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father orders the best robe to be put on his returning son, signifying restoration and acceptance (Luke 15:22). Similarly, believers are exhorted to "put on the new self" in Christ, reflecting a spiritual transformation (Ephesians 4:24).

Cultural and Theological Significance:
In biblical times, clothing was a significant indicator of one's social status, occupation, and religious role. Vestures, therefore, carry deep cultural and theological meanings, often representing authority, purity, and divine favor. The meticulous descriptions of priestly garments in the Torah highlight the importance of holiness and separation unto God. In the New Testament, the imagery of clothing is frequently used to convey spiritual truths about identity in Christ and the call to live a life of righteousness.

Conclusion:
The concept of vestures in the Bible extends beyond mere physical clothing to encompass themes of identity, authority, and divine purpose. Whether in the context of priestly service, royal honor, or spiritual transformation, vestures serve as a powerful symbol of the relationship between God and His people.
Library

Prefatory Notice.
... He who would see the entire wardrobe of the Dreamer's mind, and the shape and
proportions of the goodly vestures of truth in which he sought to array himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/prefatory notice.htm

I Saw no Temple There
... What have the pomp and circumstance, the fashion and the form, the vestures and
the postures, to do with Jesus of Nazareth? At a stage in personal development. ...
/.../the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/i saw no temple there.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... "two men stood by them in shining vestures!" The Saviour has departed; the sunshine
of His own loving presence is gone"but He leaves them not unsolaced. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

Of the Distinction of Meats.
... of God. Christianity was thought to consist wholly in the observance of certain
holy-days, rites, fasts, and vestures. These observances ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvi of the distinction.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and
arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

The Ass and the Colt are the Old and the New Testament. Spiritual ...
... us perfect, and as many things have to come after Him, all, however, hymning and
glorifying Him and placing under Him their ornaments and vestures, so that the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/18 the ass and the.htm

Psalm 102
... 26They perish shall, as garments do,. But thou shalt evermore endure; As vestures,
thou shalt change them so; And they shall all be changed sure: ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 102 2.htm

Excursus on the Vestments of the Early Church.
... Here I will remark that the sacred vestures of the Christian Church are the same,
with very insignificant modifications, among every denomination of Christians ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the vestments of.htm

The Liturgical Standards of the Roman Church.
... such as baptism, confirmation, ordination, matrimony, dedication of churches, altars,
bells, etc., benediction of crosses, sacred vestures, cemeteries, etc. ...
/.../ 35 the liturgical standards.htm

The Only Atoning Priest
... used in the text are these, "Can never take away sin." The word is, "Can never strip
off sin." As if our sins were like filthy garments"the vestures of our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the only atoning priest.htm

Thesaurus
Vestures (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vestures (1 Occurrence). Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh
took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's ...
/v/vestures.htm - 6k

Vesture (10 Occurrences)

/v/vesture.htm - 9k

Vetches (1 Occurrence)

/v/vetches.htm - 6k

Necklace (9 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon
Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold ...
/n/necklace.htm - 10k

Array (63 Occurrences)
... to clothe," and is used in all cases but one in the Old Testament for "array" (compare
Genesis 41:42: Pharaoh "arrayed him (Joseph) in vestures of fine linen ...
/a/array.htm - 30k

Finger (35 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon
Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold ...
/f/finger.htm - 22k

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Concordance
Vestures (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
(KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Subtopics

Vestures

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Vesture
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