Topical Bible: Garments were often Changed

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the changing of garments held significant cultural, religious, and symbolic meanings. Clothing was not merely a practical necessity but also a representation of one's status, identity, and spiritual state. The act of changing garments is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, often signifying a transition, purification, or a new beginning.

Cultural and Social Significance

Garments in the ancient Near East were indicative of one's social status and wealth. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) symbolized his father's special favor and set him apart from his brothers. Changing garments could denote a change in status or role, as seen when Joseph was brought out of prison and given new clothes before appearing before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14).

Religious and Ritual Purposes

In the religious context, changing garments was often associated with purification and preparation for worship or a divine encounter. The priests in the Old Testament were required to wear specific garments when ministering in the Tabernacle or Temple, symbolizing holiness and separation unto God (Exodus 28:2-4). Before entering the presence of God, they would wash and change into these holy garments, emphasizing the need for purity.

The act of changing clothes also appears in narratives of repentance and renewal. In Genesis 35:2-3 , Jacob instructs his household to "put away the foreign gods" and "change your garments" as they prepare to meet God at Bethel. This act symbolized a turning away from idolatry and a commitment to follow the Lord.

Symbolic and Prophetic Imagery

The changing of garments is rich with symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. In Zechariah 3:3-5 , the high priest Joshua is depicted standing before the angel of the Lord in filthy garments, representing sin and impurity. The angel commands that his filthy garments be removed and replaced with "festal robes," symbolizing forgiveness and restoration.

In the New Testament, the concept of changing garments is used metaphorically to describe the transformation of believers. The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "put off your old self" and "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:22-24), illustrating the spiritual renewal that comes through faith in Christ.

Expressions of Mourning and Joy

Garment changes also marked times of mourning and joy. In times of grief, individuals would wear sackcloth, a coarse material, as a sign of lamentation and humility (2 Samuel 3:31). Conversely, the removal of sackcloth and donning of festive garments signified the end of mourning and the return of joy, as expressed in Psalm 30:11 : "You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."

Conclusion

The changing of garments in the Bible is a multifaceted practice that encompasses cultural, religious, and symbolic dimensions. It reflects transitions in status, spiritual purification, and the profound changes brought about by divine intervention. Through these acts, the Scriptures convey deep theological truths about identity, repentance, and the transformative power of God's grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:2
Then Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 41:14
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in to Pharaoh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Consolation in Christ
... unto a mountain, where he has delighted often to commune ... that triumphal chariot with
him; you were exalted on ... thy sackcloth and put on thy beautiful garments. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/consolation in christ.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... was dressed in the second set of ceremonial garments with the ... a little table, and
in the corners were stands with ... spoke to her again about rising often to pray ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... serpents"not that their rods were changed into serpents ... and eat it standing, with
their garments ready as ... They were often taken prisoners and scourged, but it ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... by casting lots for one of His garments, and making a ... cut off by a sudden stroke,
but often when their ... Many persons who till then were reputed religious by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... each other; when simplicity reasons, it is often a little ... These tactics were clever;
for it required all the ... 1] enlarge the borders of their garments,[2] and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

The Transfiguration.
... It must often have been impossible for him to find any ... I not add that the shining
of the garments is a ... What if this light were the healing agent of the bodies ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/xii the transfiguration.htm

The Census of Israel
... priest of God has gone up to mount Hor, has been stripped of his garments, has been ...
Everything has changed and yet nothing has altered ... They were often in danger ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

Hypocrisy
... of Scripture which they sewed to their garments; washing perpetually ... our own natural
character, too often very little ... and indignant as the Pharisees were of old ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxvii hypocrisy.htm

Men Chosen --Fallen Angels Rejected
... in gorgeous robes, and wife in meaner garments." "No," said he ... I have often been
told, that election is a most ... a certain number of children, and he were to put ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/men chosenfallen angels rejected.htm

Faith and Life
... and precious""two words which do not often come together ... clean, but you are dressed,
robed in garments such as ... You were strangers, but you are brought nigh by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/faith and life.htm