Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, wool was a significant material used for making garments, reflecting both the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and the importance of sheep in their economy and culture. Wool, derived from sheep, was a staple textile in ancient Israel and is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing wealth, purity, and provision.Biblical References to Wool Wool is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, often in the context of clothing and offerings. In the book of Leviticus, wool is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding their garments: "Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material" (Leviticus 19:19). This command highlights the distinctiveness and purity expected in the Israelites' attire, with wool being a primary material. The Proverbs 31 woman is described as seeking wool and flax to work with her hands, indicating the value and utility of wool in domestic life: "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands" (Proverbs 31:13). This passage underscores the industrious nature of women in managing household resources and producing garments. Symbolism and Significance Wool's significance extends beyond its practical use; it also carries symbolic meaning in the Bible. In Isaiah, wool is used metaphorically to describe the cleansing power of God: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Here, wool represents purity and the transformative forgiveness offered by God. In the New Testament, wool continues to hold symbolic weight. In the book of Revelation, the description of the glorified Christ includes His hair being "white like wool, as white as snow" (Revelation 1:14), signifying purity, wisdom, and divine authority. Cultural and Economic Context The production and trade of wool were vital to the economy of ancient Israel. Sheep were among the most common livestock, and their wool was a valuable commodity. The process of shearing, spinning, and weaving wool into garments was labor-intensive, often carried out by women within the household. Wool garments were prized for their warmth and durability, making them essential for daily life and trade. The importance of wool is also evident in the sacrificial system. In Numbers, the firstborn of sheep, which would provide wool, were to be offered to the Lord: "You must set apart to the LORD the firstborn of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD" (Numbers 18:15). This practice highlights the integral role of sheep and their wool in religious observance and dedication to God. Conclusion Wool, as a material for garments, holds a prominent place in the biblical narrative, reflecting both the practical and spiritual dimensions of life in ancient Israel. Its frequent mention in Scripture underscores its value and the deep cultural and religious significance it carried for the people of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 27:26The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 34:3 Library On Clothes. Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation. Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... Christ Crucified and Buried. The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... Trust in God --True Wisdom Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii. Resources Who was Sisera in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does diadem mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Garments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Garments of Israel Preserved for Forty Years Garments of the Poor used As a Covering by Night Garments of the Poor: Not to be Retained in Pledge Garments of the Poor: Provided Specially by God Garments of the Rich of the Finest Materials Garments of the Rich: Embroidered Garments of the Rich: Gorgeous Garments of the Rich: Multiplied and Heaped Up Garments of the Rich: Often Moth-Eaten Garments of the Rich: Perfumed Garments of the Sexes, not to be Interchanged Garments of Those Slain With a Sword not Used Garments were often Fringed and Bordered Garments: (Rolled in Blood) Victory Garments: (Washed in Wine) Abundance Garments: (White) Righteousness Garments: Cleansed by Water from Ceremonial Uncleanness Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Blue Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Different Colours Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Purple Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Scarlet Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: White Garments: Girt up During Employment Garments: Given As a Token of Covenants Garments: Grew Old and Wore Out Garments: Hyke or Upper Garment Garments: Liable to Plague and Leprosy Garments: Materials Used for Camel's Hair Garments: Materials Used for Linen Garments: Materials Used for Sackcloth Garments: Materials Used for Silk Garments: Materials Used for Skins Garments: Materials Used for Wool Garments: Not to be Made of Mixed Materials Garments: Often Rent in Affliction Garments: Scribes and Pharisees Condemned for Making Broad the Borders Garments: Worn Long and Flowing Related Terms |
    |