Satchels
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In biblical times, satchels were practical items used for carrying personal belongings, provisions, or tools. While the term "satchel" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of a bag or pouch is present throughout the Scriptures. These items were essential for daily life, travel, and specific tasks, reflecting the simplicity and resourcefulness of ancient cultures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the use of bags or pouches is often implied in various narratives. For instance, in Genesis 42:25, Joseph commanded his servants to fill his brothers' bags with grain and return their money, placing it back in their sacks. This passage highlights the use of bags for carrying provisions, a common practice during journeys or trade.

The Hebrew word "כִּיס" (kis), often translated as "bag" or "pouch," appears in several contexts. In Proverbs 1:14, it is used metaphorically: "Throw in your lot with us; let us all have one purse." Here, the term "purse" suggests a communal sharing of resources, indicating the use of a bag or satchel for holding collective wealth or goods.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "πήρα" (pera) is used to describe a bag or satchel. Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew 10:10, "Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions." This directive emphasizes reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of others, rather than material preparation.

Similarly, in Luke 22:35-36, Jesus contrasts earlier instructions by advising His disciples to take a purse, bag, and sword if they have them, indicating a shift in the nature of their mission and the challenges they would face.

Symbolic and Practical Significance

Satchels, bags, or pouches in biblical times were not merely practical items but also carried symbolic meanings. They represented readiness for travel, the provision of needs, and the carrying of essential items. In a spiritual sense, they can be seen as a metaphor for the preparedness and trust in God's provision that believers are called to embody.

The use of satchels also underscores the itinerant lifestyle of many biblical figures, from patriarchs like Abraham to prophets and apostles. These individuals often traveled light, relying on God's guidance and the generosity of those they encountered.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, satchels were typically made from leather or woven materials, designed to be durable and functional. They varied in size and style, depending on their intended use, whether for carrying food, money, or personal items.

The simplicity of satchels reflects the broader cultural context of the Bible, where material possessions were often minimal, and reliance on God and community was paramount. This simplicity is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who frequently emphasized the importance of spiritual wealth over material accumulation.

In summary, while the specific term "satchel" may not appear in the biblical text, the concept is woven throughout the narratives, illustrating both practical and spiritual themes that resonate with the lives of believers.
Library

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... (It is another matter if, among you, infants rush out into battle,"oiled first,
I suppose, to dry in the sun, and then armed with satchels and rationed on ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm

From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey.
... Long before the time appointed, the little maidens were in the entrance-hall with
their satchels in their hand, containing each her dinner; twenty-seven in all ...
/.../chapter xx from his return.htm

Thesaurus
Satchels (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Satchels (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 the festival robes,
and the mantles, and the shawls, and the satchels; (ASV). ...
/s/satchels.htm - 6k

Sated (16 Occurrences)

/s/sated.htm - 10k

Girdles (13 Occurrences)
... the amulets; (DBY). Isaiah 3:22 the festival robes, and the mantles, and the
shawls, and the satchels; (See JPS). Ezekiel 23:15 girded ...
/g/girdles.htm - 10k

Mantelets (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mantelets (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 the festival robes,
and the mantles, and the shawls, and the satchels; (See JPS). ...
/m/mantelets.htm - 6k

Pin (10 Occurrences)
... See also CRISPING PINS (Isaiah 3:22, the Revised Version (British and American)
"satchels"); STAKE. Nathan Isaacs. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/pin.htm - 13k

Pins (12 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes more correctly "satchels"
(so Qimchi (compare 2 Kings 5:23); compare Arabic). ...
/p/pins.htm - 10k

Baggage (15 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The trunks, valises, satchels, etc., which a traveler carries with him on
a journey; luggage. 3. (n.) Purulent matter. 4. (n.) Trashy talk. ...
/b/baggage.htm - 13k

Bag (52 Occurrences)
... The same Hebrew word occurs elsewhere only in Isaiah 3:22, where it is rendered
"crisping-pins," but denotes the reticules (or as RV, "satchels") carried by ...
/b/bag.htm - 29k

Crisping (1 Occurrence)
... the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes more correctly "satchels"
(so Qimchi (compare 2 Kings 5:23); compare Arabic). ...
/c/crisping.htm - 7k

Aprons (3 Occurrences)
... themselves aprons. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). Isaiah 3:22 the festival robes,
and the mantles, and the shawls, and the satchels; (See JPS). ...
/a/aprons.htm - 7k

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