In the context of the Bible, "ripping" refers to the act of tearing or rending, often associated with garments, as a sign of mourning, distress, or repentance. This act is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East and is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Instances

One of the earliest mentions of ripping garments is found in the account of Jacob. Upon hearing the false news of Joseph's death, Jacob tore his clothes in grief: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days" (Genesis 37:34). This act of tearing one's garments was a physical manifestation of inner turmoil and sorrow.

In the book of Joshua, the Israelites express their distress after a defeat: "Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, along with the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads" (Joshua 7:6). Here, ripping garments is coupled with other signs of mourning and supplication, indicating a communal expression of repentance and seeking God's favor.

The prophets also used the imagery of ripping to convey messages of judgment and repentance. Joel calls the people to genuine repentance: "Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (Joel 2:13). This highlights the importance of sincere repentance over mere outward expressions.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the act of ripping is notably seen during the trial of Jesus. When Jesus affirms His identity as the Son of God, the high priest reacts by tearing his garments: "At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, 'He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy'" (Matthew 26:65). This act was a traditional expression of outrage and horror at perceived blasphemy.

Symbolism and Significance

Ripping garments in biblical times was a powerful symbol of emotional and spiritual states. It was an outward demonstration of inner grief, repentance, or indignation. The act was not merely a cultural practice but carried deep spiritual significance, often accompanying prayer, fasting, and other acts of humility before God.

The Bible also uses the concept of ripping metaphorically to describe God's actions. For instance, in Hosea, God speaks of tearing Israel as a lion tears its prey, symbolizing judgment: "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off with no one to rescue them" (Hosea 5:14).

Conclusion

The act of ripping, particularly garments, serves as a vivid expression of human emotion and divine interaction throughout the biblical narrative. It underscores the importance of sincerity in worship and repentance, reminding believers of the need for genuine contrition and humility before God.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rip.

Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit...
... The object of a lancet is to lance; when used for slashing, gashing, ripping,
lopping off heads and limbs, it is a disappointing instrument. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 17 cast your eye.htm

Magic Arts of Maxentius against Constantine; and Famine at Rome.
... But the crowning point of the tyrant's wickedness was his having recourse to sorcery:
sometimes for magic purposes ripping up women with child, at other times ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxvi magic arts of maxentius.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... The Ammonites are charged in Amos 1:13 with ripping up the women with child of Gilead,
that they might enlarge their border; and the crime of the Moabites ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

Acts ii. 1, 2
... without fear. The reason why I do not examine the maxims of poets, is,
that I may not be charged with ripping up fables. And yet ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv acts ii 1.htm

Personal Service
... They are always plunging their finger into their own eyes a, because they cannot
see so well as they would wish, always ripping up the wounds they have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/personal service.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Ripping (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ripping (2 Occurrences). Psalms 7:2 lest they tear apart
my soul like a lion, ripping it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. ...
/r/ripping.htm - 7k

Rip (3 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A rent made by ripping, esp. ... Psalms 7:2 lest they tear apart my soul like
a lion, ripping it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. ...
/r/rip.htm - 8k

Tilling (4 Occurrences)
... RSV). Psalms 141:7 As one tilling and ripping up in the land, Have our bones
been scattered at the command of Saul. (YLT). Proverbs ...
/t/tilling.htm - 7k

Ripped (3 Occurrences)

/r/ripped.htm - 7k

Dragging (6 Occurrences)
... See NIV). Psalms 7:2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion, ripping it
in pieces, while there is none to deliver. (See NAS RSV). ...
/d/dragging.htm - 8k

Rescue (92 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 7:2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion, ripping it
in pieces, while there is none to deliver. (See RSV NIV). ...
/r/rescue.htm - 33k

Tear (97 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 7:2 lest they tear apart
my soul like a lion, ripping it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. ...
/t/tear.htm - 37k

Rise (417 Occurrences)

/r/rise.htm - 39k

Lion (92 Occurrences)
... Psalms 7:2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion, ripping it in pieces, while
there is none to deliver. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/lion.htm - 46k

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