Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, articles of blue cloth held significant value and symbolism, often associated with wealth, nobility, and religious significance. The color blue, derived from the dye obtained from the shellfish species Murex, was both rare and expensive, making blue cloth a luxury item in ancient commerce.Biblical References and Symbolism The use of blue cloth is prominently mentioned in the construction and adornment of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites were instructed to use blue, along with purple and scarlet yarn, in the making of the Tabernacle's curtains and the priestly garments. Exodus 26:1 states, "You are to make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." The high priest's ephod and breastplate also featured blue cloth, signifying a connection to the divine. Exodus 28:31 instructs, "You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth." This use of blue in sacred garments underscored its association with holiness and heavenly matters. Commerce and Trade The production and trade of blue cloth were significant in ancient economies, particularly in regions like Phoenicia, known for their dyeing techniques. The city of Tyre, a major Phoenician port, was renowned for its production of purple and blue dyes. Ezekiel 27:7 highlights Tyre's commerce: "Fine embroidered linen from Egypt was your sail and served as your banner; your awnings were of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah." The demand for blue cloth extended beyond religious contexts, as it was also a symbol of status and wealth. Wealthy individuals and royalty often adorned themselves and their surroundings with blue fabrics, indicating their high social standing. Cultural and Religious Impact The significance of blue cloth in biblical commerce is not only economic but also cultural and religious. The color blue is often associated with the commandments and the covenant between God and Israel. Numbers 15:38-39 instructs the Israelites to make tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue cord, serving as a reminder of God's commandments: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, you are to make tassels for the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own hearts and eyes." Conclusion In summary, articles of blue cloth in biblical times were more than mere commodities; they were imbued with deep religious and cultural significance. The trade and use of blue cloth reflect the intricate relationship between commerce, faith, and societal values in the ancient world. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 27:24These were your merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among your merchandise. Nave's Topical Index Library Chaldaean Civilization The Reaction against Egypt Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Nile and Egypt The Close of the Theban Empire The Memphite Empire Ancient Chaldaea The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Dan? | GotQuestions.orgWhere was Ur of the Chaldees? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian Socialism? | GotQuestions.org Commerce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time Commerce of the Jews: Commenced After Their Settlement in Canaan Commerce of the Jews: Greatly Extended by Solomon Commerce of the Jews: Under Strict Laws Commerce: Articles of Blue Cloth Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men Commerce: Articles of Chariots Commerce: Articles of Chest of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Chests of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Cinnamon Commerce: Articles of Clothes for Chariots Commerce: Articles of Embroidery Commerce: Articles of Frankincense Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel Commerce: Articles of Peacocks Commerce: Articles of Perfumes Commerce: Articles of Precious Stones Commerce: Articles of Sweet Cane Commerce: Articles of Thyine Wood Commerce: Articles of White Wool Commerce: Articles of, Called: Merchandise Commerce: Articles of, Called: Wares Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians Commerce: Carried on by Ishmaelites Commerce: Carried on by Means of Caravans Commerce: Carried on by Means of Ships Commerce: Carried on by Ninevites Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish Commerce: Carried on by People of Tyre Commerce: Carried on by Syrians Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of Commerce: Evil Practices Connected With Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse With the Apostasy Commerce: Increased the Wealth of Nations and Individuals Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Chapmen Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Sellers and Buyers Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Traffickers Commerce: Persons of Distinction Engaged In Commerce: Success In, Led to Pride Commerce: The Barter of One Commodity for Another Commerce: The Exchange of Commodities for Money Commerce: Transportation of Passengers Related Terms |