In biblical times, kerchiefs were pieces of cloth used for various purposes, including as head coverings or veils. The term "kerchief" is specifically mentioned in the book of Ezekiel, where it is associated with practices that were condemned by the prophet.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to kerchiefs in the Bible is found in Ezekiel 13:18-21. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel speaks against false prophetesses in Israel who were using kerchiefs as part of their deceptive practices. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all their wrists and make veils of every size for the heads of those who hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people but preserve your own? You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not live. Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against your magic bands with which you ensnare souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. I will free the souls you hunt like birds. I will tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands, so that they will no longer be prey in your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'" (Ezekiel 13:18-21)

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, head coverings were common for both men and women, serving practical purposes such as protection from the sun and dust, as well as cultural and religious functions. However, in the context of Ezekiel 13, the kerchiefs or veils were used in a superstitious and manipulative manner by false prophetesses. These women were accused of using these items as part of their sorcery to deceive and control the people of Israel.

The use of kerchiefs in this context was not merely a cultural practice but was intertwined with idolatrous and occult activities. The prophet Ezekiel's condemnation highlights the seriousness of leading God's people astray through falsehood and manipulation. The kerchiefs symbolized the deceitful practices that ensnared the souls of the people, drawing them away from the truth of God.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of kerchiefs in Ezekiel serves as a warning against false teachings and practices that can infiltrate the community of believers. It underscores the importance of discernment and faithfulness to God's word. The passage illustrates God's commitment to protecting His people from spiritual deception and His judgment against those who exploit and mislead others for personal gain.

The imagery of tearing off the veils and freeing the souls signifies God's power to liberate His people from bondage and deception. It is a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the rejection of practices that are contrary to the truth of Scripture.

Conclusion:

While the specific use of kerchiefs as described in Ezekiel is not a common practice today, the underlying message remains relevant. Believers are called to be wary of false teachings and to remain steadfast in their commitment to the truth of God's word. The passage serves as a timeless reminder of God's sovereignty and His desire for His people to walk in truth and righteousness.(n.) Plural of Kerchief.

David the Shepherd Youth.
... the flames leapt up and burned the flesh; and all the time the men of the village
stood round him in their rough cloaks and striped kerchiefs, looking on in ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Ezekiel xiii. 22
... Or, again, if we connect what is said of the pillows with what immediately follows
about the kerchiefs put upon the head, we may suppose that both are but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xx ezekiel xiii 22.htm

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... depravity Ezekiel has reference (ch.13, 18-19): "Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe
to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after epiphany.htm

part ii
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Kerchiefs (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Kerchief. Multi-Version Concordance
Kerchiefs (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus ...
/k/kerchiefs.htm - 7k

Pads (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows
upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every ...
/p/pads.htm - 7k

Kerchief

/k/kerchief.htm - 7k

Keren (1 Occurrence)

/k/keren.htm - 6k

Joints (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 And thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Wo to those sowing
pillows for all joints of the arm, And to those making the kerchiefs For the ...
/j/joints.htm - 9k

Lengths (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sew pillows
on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature ...
/l/lengths.htm - 7k

Ensnare (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sew pillows
on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature ...
/e/ensnare.htm - 10k

Elbows (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sew pillows
on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature ...
/e/elbows.htm - 6k

Pillows (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sew pillows
on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature ...
/p/pillows.htm - 8k

Cushions (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows
upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every ...
/c/cushions.htm - 8k

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