In biblical times, "trappings" referred to the ornamental coverings or accessories used to adorn horses, camels, or other animals, often signifying wealth, status, or preparation for battle. The concept of trappings can also extend metaphorically to the adornments or outward appearances that people use to convey status or authority.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, trappings are often associated with the wealth and splendor of kings and warriors. For instance, in the context of battle, horses were often adorned with trappings to signify the might and readiness of an army. In Job 39:19-25, the power and majesty of the horse are described, highlighting its role in battle: "Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane?" (Job 39:19). This passage emphasizes the strength and beauty of the horse, which would be enhanced by its trappings.

The use of trappings is also seen in the context of royal processions and celebrations. In Esther 6:8-9, when Haman suggests how to honor a man whom the king delights to honor, he describes a royal robe and a horse with a royal crest, indicating the importance of outward adornment in displaying honor and status.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention trappings in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of outward adornment versus inner virtue is a recurring theme. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, believers are advised, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight" . This passage contrasts the temporary nature of physical trappings with the eternal value of inner character.

Symbolic and Metaphorical Use

Trappings can also symbolize the superficial or deceptive nature of appearances. In the prophetic literature, the adornments of nations or cities are sometimes used to illustrate their pride or impending judgment. For example, in Isaiah 3:18-23, the Lord warns of removing the finery and trappings of the daughters of Zion as a judgment against their pride and reliance on outward beauty.

In a broader sense, trappings can represent the distractions or superficialities that can lead individuals away from a sincere relationship with God. The emphasis in Scripture is often on the heart and character rather than external appearances, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7: "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" .

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, trappings were not only practical but also served as a display of wealth and power. The materials used, such as gold, silver, and fine fabrics, indicated the owner's status and were often used in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Bible reflects this cultural practice, using trappings as a metaphor for both human pride and divine majesty.

Overall, while trappings in the biblical sense often refer to physical adornments, the underlying message of Scripture points to the importance of inner virtue and the dangers of relying solely on outward appearances.1. (n. pl.) That which serves to trap or adorn; ornaments; dress; superficial decorations.

2. (n. pl.) Specifically, ornaments to be put on horses.

5716. adi -- ornaments
... Word Origin from adah Definition ornaments NASB Word Usage fine ornaments (1), jewels
(1), ornaments (9), trappings (1), years (1). excellent, mouth, ornament. ...
/hebrew/5716.htm - 6k

The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... radiant white within. He sat a horse without trappings, but with a roll
of fleece and clothes, his day and night gear. Around him ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iv the bishop elect.htm

First Day in New York
... That this High Priest, while enjoying all the comforts and privileges belonging
to his high office, together with its honors and gorgeous trappings, does not ...
/.../chapter iii first day in.htm

Conversations.
... Animals intended to be offered in sacrifice, caparisoned in trappings of gold, horsemen
most sumptuously equipped, chariots of war splendidly built and adorned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter xi conversations.htm

The Note of Accusation.
... rebellion and transgression. Again was the veil torn from her heart, the
trappings of ceremonialism, the rags of hypocrisy. Again were ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter i the note of.htm

The Adventures of Saint David of Wales.
... habited in every conceivable style of richest armour; yet none surpassed Saint David
in the sumptuousness of his plume and burgonet, the trappings of his steed ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter ten the adventures of.htm

Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... brethren. The first church was the hall of a well-known undertaker, approached
through lines of coffins and the trappings of woe. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vii calcutta and the.htm

Man's Life his Monument.
... his best monument. He needs no sculptured tomb, no gorgeous trappings,
no fulsome epitaph, to keep his memory green. The cunning ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxviii mans life his.htm

The Conspiracy
... "I would have thee be useful.". "I shall throw away my lordly trappings,"
he said, "and become a lifter of the shadoof[1] this day.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxi the conspiracy.htm

At Masaarah
... the face of Kenkenes. It was Kenkenes, indeed, but Kenkenes in robes of
rustling linen and trappings of gold. Never had she seen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

Christ in the Covenant
... and it will therefore delight us for a while, this morning, in the simplest manner
possible, without the garnishings of eloquence or the trappings of oratory ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ in the covenant.htm

Trappings (1 Occurrence)
... decorations. 2. (n. pl.) Specifically, ornaments to be put on horses.
Multi-Version Concordance Trappings (1 Occurrence). Psalms ...
/t/trappings.htm - 6k

Traps (8 Occurrences)

/t/traps.htm - 8k

Trapper (2 Occurrences)

/t/trapper.htm - 7k

Restraint (34 Occurrences)
... Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as a horse, as a mule, which have no understanding: whose
trappings must be bit and bridle, for restraint, or they will not come unto thee ...
/r/restraint.htm - 16k

Goat (92 Occurrences)
... cooking. Their hair is woven into tents (Songs 1:5), carpets, cloaks, sacks,
slings, and various camel, horse and mule trappings. Their ...
/g/goat.htm - 48k

Elamarna
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely the trappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters ...
/e/elamarna.htm - 31k

Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely the trappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters ...
/t/tablets.htm - 41k

El-amarna
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely the trappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters ...
/e/el-amarna.htm - 31k

Tell (3056 Occurrences)
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely the trappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters ...
/t/tell.htm - 33k

Housing (2 Occurrences)
... See Houseline. 10. (n.) A cover or cloth for a horse's saddle, as an ornamental
or military appendage; a saddlecloth; a horse cloth; in plural, trappings. 11. ...
/h/housing.htm - 8k

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