The term "clouted" appears in the context of the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, and is often associated with patched or mended items, particularly clothing. The word is derived from the Hebrew term that implies being patched or repaired, often in a makeshift manner. This term is notably found in the book of Joshua, where it describes the condition of the Gibeonites' garments.

Biblical Reference:

· Joshua 9:5 : "They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy."

In this passage, the Gibeonites, seeking to make a treaty with the Israelites, resorted to deception by wearing clouted, or patched, garments. Their intention was to appear as if they had traveled from a distant land, thus persuading the Israelites to form an alliance with them. The clouted shoes and garments were part of their ruse to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel of their long journey.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, clothing was a valuable commodity, and the act of clouting, or patching, was a common practice to extend the life of garments. The use of clouted garments by the Gibeonites highlights the resourcefulness and cunning employed in their strategy to secure a covenant with Israel. This incident underscores the importance of discernment and the potential for deception, even when appearances suggest humility or need.

Theological Implications:

The account of the Gibeonites and their clouted garments serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and wisdom in spiritual and communal matters. It illustrates how outward appearances can be misleading and emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making processes. The Israelites' failure to consult the Lord before making a treaty with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:14) serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of relying solely on human judgment.

Symbolism:

Clouted garments can symbolize the imperfections and frailties of human nature. Just as the Gibeonites' patched clothing was used to mask their true identity, individuals may attempt to cover their flaws or intentions. This symbolism can be extended to the spiritual realm, where believers are called to seek authenticity and integrity in their walk with God, rather than relying on superficial appearances.

In summary, the term "clouted" in the biblical context provides insight into the practices and challenges of ancient life, while also offering valuable lessons on discernment, integrity, and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all matters.Clouted

patched. (Joshua 9:5)

(imp. & p. p.) of Clout.2921. tala -- to patch, spot
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to patch, spot NASB Word Usage patched (1),
spotted (6), various colors (1). clouted, with divers colors, spotted. ...
/hebrew/2921.htm - 6k

The Stony Heart Removed
... Old shoes and clouted might be good enough for Gibeonites; but we are so thoroughly
outworn that we must be made new, or thrown upon the dunghill. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the stony heart removed.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... It was a disgrace if a scholar walked abroad with clouted shoes; [2933] to wear
dirty clothes deserved death; [2934] for the glory of God was man, and the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

An Instructive Truth
... They told us that they were quite new when they put them on, yet now they are old
and clouted; they must have come a great many miles, you may depend upon it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/an instructive truth.htm

A Paradox
... interesting strangers. Why, look, their shoes are well-nigh worn from their
feet, and patched and clouted to the last degree! Their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm

Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... The Lord has furnished you with shoes that will not wear out. "Old shoes and clouted"
were good enough for Gibeonites, but they are not fit for Israelites. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/shoes of iron and strength.htm

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... Old shoes and clouted are common enough among those Gibeonites who would deceive
Israel, and whose boast is that they have come from far, and bring us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

Resurgam
... As for his shoes, they are indeed old and clouted, and all his garments are of such
a sort that one never could know the original, for they have been mended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/resurgam.htm

The Turning Point
... He was changing them for "old shoes and clouted," those were suitable to his business.
A sinner is never so well arrayed for pleading as when he comes in rags. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the turning point.htm

Clouted (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Clout. Multi-Version Concordance
Clouted (1 Occurrence). Joshua 9:5 And old shoes and clouted...
/c/clouted.htm - 6k

Clout
... As verb (Tala') "to bandage," "patch," or mend with a clout. "Old shoes and clouted
(the American Standard Revised Version "patched") upon their feet" (Joshua 9 ...
/c/clout.htm - 7k

Worn-out (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and worn shoes and clouted upon their feet, and worn garments upon them;
and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become crumbs. ...
/w/worn-out.htm - 7k

Mouldy (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them;
and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. (KJV ASV DBY). ...
/m/mouldy.htm - 7k

Provisions (41 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and worn shoes and clouted upon their feet, and worn garments upon them;
and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become crumbs. ...
/p/provisions.htm - 19k

Crumbled (5 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and worn shoes and clouted upon their feet, and worn garments upon them;
and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become crumbs. ...
/c/crumbled.htm - 8k

Clouts (2 Occurrences)

/c/clouts.htm - 7k

Clouted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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