Definition and Description:
Sashes in biblical times were long bands of cloth worn around the waist, often as part of a garment or uniform. They served both practical and symbolic purposes, functioning as a means to secure clothing and as a sign of status or office. Sashes were typically made from fine materials and could be richly embroidered or adorned, reflecting the wearer's position or role.

Biblical References:

1. Priestly Garments:
Sashes were an integral part of the priestly attire as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 28:39-40, the instructions for the priestly garments include the making of sashes: "Weave the tunic of fine linen, and make the turban of fine linen, and the sash of embroidered work. Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor." The sash, along with other garments, was designed to set the priests apart, signifying their consecration and service to God.

2. Symbol of Strength and Readiness:
In the ancient Near East, girding oneself with a sash was often associated with preparation for action or service. Isaiah 11:5 uses this imagery to describe the Messiah: "Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist." Here, the sash symbolizes readiness and the moral and spiritual qualities of the coming Savior.

3. Royal and Noble Attire:
Sashes were also worn by individuals of high status, including royalty and nobility. In 1 Samuel 18:4, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, gives David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt (or sash), signifying a transfer of honor and friendship: "Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt."

4. Prophetic Symbolism:
The prophet Jeremiah used a sash as a symbolic act to convey a message from God. In Jeremiah 13:1-11, God instructs Jeremiah to buy a linen sash, wear it, and then hide it in a crevice of the rocks. When Jeremiah retrieves it, the sash is ruined, symbolizing how Judah and Jerusalem had become corrupted and useless due to their disobedience.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient world, sashes were not merely functional but also carried significant cultural and social meanings. They were often part of ceremonial dress and could indicate one's role, rank, or allegiance. The use of sashes in biblical narratives underscores their importance in conveying messages of authority, readiness, and divine appointment.

Theological Significance:
The use of sashes in Scripture often points to themes of preparation, service, and righteousness. As part of the priestly garments, they highlight the call to holiness and dedication to God's service. In prophetic and messianic contexts, sashes symbolize the moral and spiritual readiness required of God's chosen leaders and servants.2223. zone -- a belt
... Word Origin from zonnumi Definition a belt NASB Word Usage belt (5), belts (1),
money belts (1), sash (1), sashes (1). belt, pocket, purse. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2223.htm - 7k7196. qishshurim -- bands, sashes
... 7195, 7196. qishshurim. 7197 . bands, sashes. Transliteration: qishshurim
Phonetic Spelling: (kish-shoor') Short Definition: attire. ...
/hebrew/7196.htm - 6k

73. abnet -- a girdle
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a girdle NASB Word Usage sash (6),
sashes (3). girdle. Of uncertain derivation; a belt -- girdle. 72, 73. ...
/hebrew/73.htm - 5k

From a Hindu Point of view
... We spent half an hour under the tree, and they listened; but we were interrupted
by some well-dressed Government officials with their coats, sashes, and badges ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxvi from a hindu.htm

Preface of Dr. Martin Luther.
... would have all hands so full that the child's play and absurdity of long gowns
[official insignia], large tonsures, broad cinctures [or sashes], bishops' or ...
/.../luther/the smalcald articles/preface of dr martin luther.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... real mourning garment. Joseph and Nicodemus were also in mourning attire,
and wore black sleeves and wide sashes. Their cloaks, which ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

Sashes (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sashes (6 Occurrences). Revelation 15:6 The seven
angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with ...
/s/sashes.htm - 8k

Headbands (6 Occurrences)
... (Hebrews kishshurim), properly girdles or belts for the waist (Isaiah 3:20, RV,
"sashes;" Jeremiah 2:32, rendered "attire", ie, a girdle round the waist). ...
/h/headbands.htm - 8k

Sash (16 Occurrences)
... gate. 5. (vt) To furnish with a sash or sashes; as, to sash a door or a
window. Multi-Version Concordance Sash (16 Occurrences). ...
/s/sash.htm - 12k

Coats (29 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:40 "You shall make coats for Aaron's sons, and you shall make sashes for
them and you shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. ...
/c/coats.htm - 14k

Bands (130 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Exodus 28:40 "You shall make coats for Aaron's sons, and you shall make sashes
for them and you shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. ...
/b/bands.htm - 37k

Aaron's (53 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:40 "You shall make coats for Aaron's sons, and you shall make sashes for
them and you shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. ...
/a/aaron's.htm - 25k

Clothed (153 Occurrences)
... Revelation 15:6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with
pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. ...
/c/clothed.htm - 37k

Wearing (43 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Revelation 15:6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out,
clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. ...
/w/wearing.htm - 18k

Wore (19 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Revelation 15:6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out,
clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. ...
/w/wore.htm - 11k

Window (24 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An opening in the wall of a building for the admission of light and air,
usually closed by casements or sashes containing some transparent material, as ...
/w/window.htm - 16k

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