Definition and Usage:
The term "clouts" refers to pieces of cloth or rags. In biblical contexts, it is often used to describe worn-out or patched garments. The word is derived from older English usage, where "clout" could mean a patch or a piece of cloth used for mending.

Biblical References:
The primary biblical reference to "clouts" is found in the book of Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 38:11-12 , the prophet Jeremiah is lowered into a cistern with the help of old rags and worn-out clothes:

"So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the treasury. He took from there old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them by ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-melech the Cushite called down to Jeremiah, 'Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.' Jeremiah did so."

In this passage, "clouts" are used practically to cushion the ropes, preventing injury to Jeremiah as he is lifted out of the cistern. This illustrates the resourcefulness and compassion of Ebed-melech, who sought to protect the prophet from harm.

Symbolic Meaning:
In a broader symbolic sense, clouts can represent humility and the transient nature of material possessions. The use of old rags and worn-out clothes in the Bible often signifies poverty, humility, or the need for divine intervention. The imagery of clouts can also serve as a reminder of the human condition and the need for spiritual renewal.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clothing was a significant indicator of one's social status and wealth. The mention of clouts, therefore, highlights the dire circumstances faced by individuals like Jeremiah, who, despite his prophetic role, experienced hardship and persecution. The use of clouts in the narrative underscores the theme of God's provision and care through unexpected means and people.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the account of Jeremiah and the clouts can be seen as an example of God's providence and the importance of obedience and faithfulness. Despite being in a dire situation, Jeremiah's deliverance through the use of clouts demonstrates God's ability to use humble means to achieve His purposes. It also reflects the biblical principle that God often works through the marginalized and the lowly to accomplish His will.

Practical Application:
For believers, the account of clouts in Jeremiah's account serves as an encouragement to trust in God's provision, even in difficult circumstances. It also calls Christians to be resourceful and compassionate, like Ebed-melech, who used what was available to him to aid someone in need. This narrative encourages believers to look beyond appearances and recognize the value and potential in what may seem insignificant or worn out.

Mortification
... To swaddle infants, whose young breath. Scarce knows the way,. Those clouts are
little winding-sheets,. Which do consign and send them unto Death. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xlix mortification.htm

Compel them to Come In
... you be defiled with foulest filth, and though you have nought but rags upon your
back, though your own righteousness has become as filthy clouts, yet must I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/compel them to come in.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... [2933] In Ber. 43 b, it is explained to refer to such shoes as had clouts on the
top of clouts.'. [2934] Shabb. 114 a. [2935] Derekh Erets s. x towards the end. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... revive the beggarly elements; there men bow before a cross; a piece of bread inside
a box is reverenced and treated with worship; cast-off clouts and rotten ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... The thoughtful , perhaps prompted by the women of the palace, procured some
rags and old clouts from a lumber room, told Jeremiah to put them under his arm ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

Benjamin Whichcote, the First of the "Latitude-Men"
... [2] SP in his Sect of Latitude-Men says: "A Latitude-Man is an image of Clouts
[a man of straw] that men set up to encounter with, for want of a real enemy; it ...
/.../chapter xv benjamin whichcote the.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... Now, what does Mary, after a little pause, but goes up into her chamber, and with
her pins and her clouts, decks up herself as fine as her fingers could make ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... Now, what does Mary, after a little pause, but goes up into her chamber, and, with
her pins and her clouts,20 decks up herself as fine as her fingers could ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Clouts (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Clouts (2 Occurrences). Jeremiah 38:11 So Ebedmelech
took the men with him, and went into the house of ...
/c/clouts.htm - 7k

Rotten (9 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:11 So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the
king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags ...
/r/rotten.htm - 9k

Decayed (7 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of
the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old decayed ...
/d/decayed.htm - 8k

Cloven (12 Occurrences)

/c/cloven.htm - 11k

Clouted (1 Occurrence)

/c/clouted.htm - 6k

Clout
... Old "cast clouts and old rotten rags" (Jeremiah 38:11, 12 the King James Version).
As verb (Tala') "to bandage," "patch," or mend with a clout. ...
/c/clout.htm - 7k

Armholes (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old
cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. ...
/a/armholes.htm - 7k

Arm-holes (5 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebed-melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, Put now these
old cast clouts and decayed rags under thy arm-holes under the cords. ...
/a/arm-holes.htm - 8k

Cushite (15 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT NIV). Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebed-melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, Put
now these old cast clouts and decayed rags under thy arm-holes under the cords. ...
/c/cushite.htm - 14k

Entereth (40 Occurrences)
... 38:11 And Ebed-Melech taketh the men with him, and entereth the house of the king,
unto the place of the treasury, and taketh thence worn-out clouts, and worn ...
/e/entereth.htm - 18k

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