Topical Bible: Garments: Girdle

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the girdle was an essential part of the attire for both men and women, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The girdle, often referred to as a belt or sash in modern terms, was typically a band of cloth, leather, or other materials worn around the waist. It was used to secure garments, allowing for greater freedom of movement, and to carry tools or weapons.

Old Testament References

The girdle is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in ancient Hebrew culture. In Exodus 28:4, the girdle is listed as part of the priestly garments: "These are the garments they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests." The girdle, or sash, was an integral part of the high priest's attire, symbolizing readiness and service to God.

In Isaiah 11:5, the girdle is used metaphorically to describe righteousness and faithfulness: "Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist." Here, the girdle represents the qualities that the Messiah will embody, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and steadfastness.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the girdle continues to hold symbolic significance. In Ephesians 6:14, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." The girdle of truth is part of the full armor of God, signifying the foundational role of truth in the life of a Christian.

The girdle is also mentioned in Revelation 1:13, where John describes his vision of the glorified Christ: "and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest." The golden girdle signifies Christ's divine authority and majesty.

Cultural and Practical Aspects

In addition to its symbolic meanings, the girdle had practical uses in daily life. It was used to tuck in long garments, allowing for ease of movement, especially during labor or travel. The girdle also served as a place to secure small items, such as money or tools, making it a versatile accessory.

The girdle's function as a tool for preparedness is reflected in the biblical exhortation to "gird up your loins," a phrase that implies readiness for action or service. This expression is found in 1 Peter 1:13: "Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Throughout Scripture, the girdle is a symbol of readiness, truth, and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the believer's call to be prepared for spiritual battles, to live a life of integrity, and to serve God faithfully. The girdle's presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores its enduring significance in the biblical narrative, pointing to the timeless values of truth and righteousness that are central to the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 18:4
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:11
And when he was come to us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus said the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that ownes this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... 4. The high priest is indeed adorned with the same garments that we have ... in our language
it is called Meeir,] and is tied round with a girdle, embroidered with ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning the garments.htm

The Slave's Girdle
... The second thought here is, What we are to wear the apron or girdle for? ... You remember
that Jesus laid aside His garments, and took a towel, and girded Himself ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the slaves girdle.htm

Of the Perfect Stripping of the Soul which is United to God's Will ...
... at the angel's command. He puts on his girdle, then his sandals, and afterwards
the rest of his garments. And the glorious S. Paul ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi of the perfect.htm

The Crucifixion.
... and part { ^a parted ^c parting} ^b his garments among them, casting { ^c they cast}
lots. ^b upon them, what each should take. [The sandals, girdle, outer robe ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 2.htm

October the Nineteenth Ready!
... binds the loose attire together with a girdle, and makes it firm and compact about
his body. And loose principles can be more dangerous than loose garments. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/october the nineteenth ready.htm

The Crucifixion.
... The soldiers parted the garments of Jesus among them, each of the four taking what
he needed or fancied"turban, shoes, girdle, or under-coat; while for the ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxi the crucifixion.htm

On Clothes.
... of the dye wear away the wool, and render the fabrics of the garments weak; and ... Elias
used a sheepskin mantle, and fastened the sheepskin with a girdle made of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... These are festival garments. ... placed upon our Saviour; the amice, the cloth with which
He was blindfolded by the Jews; the stole, maniple, and girdle, the cords ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

The Funeral Pile is Erected.
... And when the funeral pile was ready, Polycarp, laying aside all his garments, and
loosing his girdle, sought also to take off his sandals,"a thing he was not ...
/.../smyrna/the martyrdom of the holy polycarp/chapter xiii the funeral pile is.htm

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... to make sure of its owner, he drew his dagger and cut the girdle in twain ... Again he
heard a rustle of garments in the dark chamber, and, also, a stealthy and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm