Wool, a textile fiber obtained from sheep and other animals, holds significant importance in biblical times, particularly in the context of clothing. The use of wool in garments is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing wealth, purity, and divine provision.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Wool is first mentioned in the context of offerings and sacrifices. In Leviticus 13:47-48, the laws concerning leprosy in garments include woolen materials: "If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any woolen or linen garment, any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any leather article—". This indicates the prevalence of wool in everyday life and its inclusion in the Levitical laws underscores its importance.

The prophet Ezekiel uses wool to symbolize purity and righteousness. In Ezekiel 34:3, the leaders of Israel are criticized for exploiting the people: "You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock." Here, wool represents the wealth and resources that should have been used for the benefit of the people, highlighting the leaders' failure to care for their flock.

In Proverbs 31:13, the virtuous woman is described as one who "selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This passage emphasizes industriousness and the value of wool in the household economy, portraying it as a staple material for clothing and trade.

Cultural and Religious Context

Wool was a common material for clothing in ancient Israel, valued for its warmth and durability. The process of shearing sheep, spinning wool, and weaving it into garments was a significant aspect of daily life. Woolen garments were often associated with wealth and status, as seen in the luxurious clothing of the rich and powerful.

The Mosaic Law contains specific instructions regarding the use of wool in clothing. Deuteronomy 22:11 states, "Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together." This prohibition against mixing wool and linen, known as shatnez, is part of the broader set of laws that distinguish the Israelites from other nations, emphasizing purity and separation.

Wool in Prophetic and Messianic Imagery

Wool also appears in prophetic and messianic imagery. In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord invites His people to reason together, saying, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Here, wool symbolizes the cleansing and forgiveness that God offers, transforming sin-stained lives into purity.

In the New Testament, the imagery of wool is used in the description of the glorified Christ. Revelation 1:14 describes the hair of the Son of Man as "white like wool, as white as snow," signifying His purity, holiness, and eternal nature.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, wool serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing purity, wealth, and divine provision. Its use in clothing and religious contexts underscores its significance in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel. The biblical references to wool highlight its enduring value and the deeper spiritual truths it conveys.Leviticus 13:47-52,59
The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
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Proverbs 31:13
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
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Ezekiel 34:3
You eat the fat, and you clothe you with the wool, you kill them that are fed: but you feed not the flock.
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Ezekiel 44:17
And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come on them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.
Nave's Topical Index

On Clothes.
... the Word, let us condemn sumptuousness of clothing, saying, "Ye ... and Italy be praised,
and the wool, about which ... Elias used a sheepskin mantle, and fastened the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Events During the War
... our own sheep, washed and picked the wool, and sent ... Mother made all the clothing
for the family"underwear, pants ... and the little wheel on which I used to quill ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iv events during the.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... men, as being deprived of that tribute he used to have ... since they were in great want
of clothing also, by ... their sheep and goats, till they had no wool to make ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... falling forward, or as if the feet were touching cotton-wool. ... to use our money in
feeding and clothing the poor ... you have spent for tobacco had been used to help ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... it turn the wheels of water-mills, it is used for drinking ... milk and her meat, and
the sheep both wool and meat, for the nourishment and the clothing of man ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... and destroys the old man; for as wool is destroyed ... that the subject is one, but the
clothing is twofold ... And this expression is used with reference to falsehood ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm

Faith and Repentance Inseparable
... sins be as scarlet, they shall be as wool." He does ... old saint, on his sick-bed, once
used this remarkable ... the stripping of repentance, and the clothing of faith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/faith and repentance inseparable.htm

Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation.
... preferred to assign all the management of wool-work and ... of the fact) that shrubs
afford you clothing, and the ... And accordingly the very man who used to sentence ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter iii beasts similarly subject to.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... and she wore a wreath of white wool or silk ... and answers were being made, the clothing
ceremony came to an ... Other baskets, like the ones used for carrying grapes ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... is in the body; not that the clothing has heat ... The eyes especially are to be sparingly
used, since it ... perfumers, and goldsmiths, and dealers in wool, and that ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

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