In the context of biblical times, the concept of a "handbag" as understood in modern terms did not exist. However, the use of bags or pouches for carrying personal items is evident throughout Scripture. These items were typically made from leather or cloth and were used to carry money, provisions, or other small personal belongings.

Biblical References and Usage

1. Money Bags and Pouches: In the Bible, references to bags often pertain to money bags or pouches. For instance, in the New Testament, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Do not carry a money bag, a traveler’s bag, or sandals; and do not greet anyone along the road" (Luke 10:4). This instruction highlights the reliance on God's provision rather than material possessions.

2. Symbol of Provision and Trust: The use of bags in Scripture often symbolizes trust in God's provision. In the Old Testament, when Joseph's brothers went to Egypt to buy grain, they carried their money in sacks (Genesis 42:25). This narrative underscores the importance of preparation and trust in God's plan during times of need.

3. Metaphorical Use: Bags are also used metaphorically in Scripture. In Haggai 1:6, the prophet describes a situation of futility and lack, saying, "You earn wages to put into a bag with holes." This imagery conveys the idea of fruitless labor and the consequences of neglecting God's house.

4. Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, bags were essential for daily life, used by travelers, merchants, and shepherds. They were practical items for carrying food, money, and other necessities. The simplicity and functionality of these bags reflect the lifestyle and values of biblical times, where reliance on God and community was paramount.

5. Spiritual Lessons: The biblical references to bags and their contents often serve as spiritual lessons. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven," encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In biblical times, the materials and craftsmanship of bags varied based on the user's status and purpose. Leather was a common material due to its durability, while cloth bags were used for lighter items. The design and size of the bags were practical, reflecting the needs of the user, whether a traveler, merchant, or shepherd.

The absence of a direct reference to "handbags" in Scripture does not diminish the significance of bags in biblical narratives. They serve as a reminder of the transient nature of material possessions and the importance of spiritual readiness and trust in God's provision.

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ...
... and read; and when passing along the road, Charlie seems now instinctively to stop
when meeting some pedestrian, that out of our well-filled handbags may be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter ii 1869-1870 emigration of.htm

Handbags (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Handbags (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 The feast-day dresses,
and the robes, and the wide skirts, and the handbags, (BBE RSV). ...
/h/handbags.htm - 6k

Festal (12 Occurrences)
... altar. (YLT RSV NIV). Isaiah 3:22 The feast-day dresses, and the robes,
and the wide skirts, and the handbags, (See NAS RSV). Hosea ...
/f/festal.htm - 10k

Feast-day (5 Occurrences)
... (ASV BBE JPS). Isaiah 3:22 The feast-day dresses, and the robes, and the wide skirts,
and the handbags, (BBE). Feast, Feast-day. Feast-days . Reference Bible
/f/feast-day.htm - 7k

Dresses (4 Occurrences)
... ornaments of gold on your dresses. (BBE). Isaiah 3:22 The feast-day dresses,
and the robes, and the wide skirts, and the handbags, (BBE). ...
/d/dresses.htm - 7k

Skirts (23 Occurrences)
... garments; (KJV WBS). Isaiah 3:22 The feast-day dresses, and the robes, and
the wide skirts, and the handbags, (BBE). Isaiah 6:1 In ...
/s/skirts.htm - 13k

Hand-baskets (7 Occurrences)
Hand-baskets. Handbags, Hand-baskets. Handbreadth . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY YLT). Handbags, Hand-baskets. Handbreadth . Reference Bible.
/h/hand-baskets.htm - 8k

Hand (14438 Occurrences)

/h/hand.htm - 27k

Outer (98 Occurrences)
... Who shall come within his jaws? (WEB ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 3:22 The
feast-day dresses, and the robes, and the wide skirts, and the handbags, (See NAS). ...
/o/outer.htm - 37k

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