Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, garments were not merely functional items of clothing but held significant cultural, social, and religious value. They were often given as presents to signify honor, status, or covenantal relationships. The giving of garments as presents is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, illustrating various aspects of human relationships and divine interactions.1. Garments as Symbols of Honor and Favor Garments were frequently given as tokens of honor and favor. In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh honored Joseph by giving him fine linen garments: "Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck." This act signified Joseph's elevation to a position of authority and trust in Egypt. Similarly, in the account of Mordecai, King Ahasuerus honored him by clothing him in royal garments. Esther 6:8-9 records the king's command: "Let them bring a royal robe that the king has worn and a horse on which the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes, who will clothe the man the king wishes to honor." 2. Garments in Covenantal Relationships Garments were also used to signify covenantal relationships. In 1 Samuel 18:3-4, Jonathan made a covenant with David and gave him his robe, along with his armor: "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." This act symbolized Jonathan's deep commitment and loyalty to David, acknowledging him as the future king of Israel. 3. Garments as Symbols of Redemption and Restoration The giving of garments can also symbolize redemption and restoration. In Zechariah 3:3-5, the high priest Joshua is clothed in new garments as a sign of his purification and restoration: "Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. So the angel said to those standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes!' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.'" 4. Garments as Expressions of Love and Generosity In the New Testament, garments are mentioned as expressions of love and generosity. In Acts 9:39, the disciple Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) is remembered for her acts of kindness, which included making garments for the widows: "So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other garments that Dorcas had made while she was still with them." 5. Garments in Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts Prophetically, garments are used to symbolize righteousness and salvation. Isaiah 61:10 declares, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the faithful are depicted as wearing white robes, symbolizing purity and victory. Revelation 7:9 describes a great multitude standing before the throne: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands." Throughout the Bible, the giving of garments as presents serves as a powerful symbol of honor, covenant, redemption, love, and righteousness. These acts reflect the deeper spiritual truths of God's relationship with humanity and the transformative power of His grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 45:22To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 18:4 Library How the Samaritans Made a Tumult and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them ... Joshua and the Angel How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ... The Servant-Lord and his Servants How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ... To Messer Ristoro Canigiani How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ... Matt. xiii. 34, 35 The Malice of Antipater and Doris. Alexander is Very Uneasy on ... Anschar, Apostle of the North. Resources What is the meaning of Christus Victor? | GotQuestions.orgIs faith in God religulous? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Ephesians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Presents: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presents of Persons of Rank, of Great Value and Variety Presents were Given by Kings to Each Other in Token of Inferiority Presents were Given in Token of Friendship Presents were Given: As Tribute Presents were Given: At Marriages Presents were Given: On all Occasions of Public Rejoicing Presents were Given: On Occasions of Visits Presents were Given: On Recovering from Sickness Presents were Given: On Restoration to Prosperity Presents were Given: On Sending Away Friends Presents were Given: To Appease the Angry Feelings of Others Presents were Given: To Confirm Covenants Presents were Given: To Judges to Secure a Favourable Hearing Presents were Given: To Kings to Engage Their Aid Presents were Given: To Reward Service Presents were Given: To Show Respect Presents: Considered Essential on all Visits of Business Presents: Generally Presented in Person Presents: Generally Procured a Favourable Reception Presents: Laid out and Presented With Great Ceremony Presents: Not Bringing, Considered a Mark of Disrespect Presents: Often Borne by Servants Presents: Often Conveyed on Camels Presents: Receiving of, a Token of Good Will Presents: Sometimes Sent Before the Giver Presents: Things Given as Cattle Presents: Things Given as Food Presents: Things Given as Garments Presents: Things Given as Gold and Silver Vessels Presents: Things Given as Horses and Mules Presents: Things Given as Money Presents: Things Given as Ornaments Presents: Things Given as Precious Stones Presents: Things Given as Servants Presents: Things Given as Weapons of War Presents: when Small or Defective, Refused Related Terms |
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