Topical Bible: Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the practice of widows donning garments of mourning following the death of their husbands was a significant cultural and religious expression of grief and loss. This tradition is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern customs and is reflected in various passages of Scripture, illustrating the deep sorrow and societal implications of widowhood.

Cultural Context and Significance

The act of wearing mourning clothes was a visible manifestation of a widow's bereavement and her transition into a new social status. Mourning attire typically consisted of sackcloth or other somber garments, symbolizing humility and distress. This practice was not only a personal expression of grief but also a public acknowledgment of the widow's changed circumstances and her dependence on the community for support.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several instances where mourning attire is mentioned in the context of widowhood. In Genesis 38:14, Tamar, though not a widow in the traditional sense, "took off her widow’s garments" to disguise herself, indicating that such garments were a recognized symbol of her status. This passage highlights the cultural expectation for widows to wear specific clothing as a sign of their mourning.

In the book of Ruth, Naomi's return to Bethlehem as a widow is marked by her expression of deep sorrow and loss. While the text does not explicitly mention her clothing, her lament in Ruth 1:20-21, "Do not call me Naomi... Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me," reflects the profound grief associated with widowhood, which would have been outwardly expressed through mourning attire.

Theological Implications

Widowhood in the Bible is often associated with vulnerability and a need for divine and communal care. The mourning garments served as a reminder to the community of their responsibility to support and protect widows, as emphasized in passages like Deuteronomy 10:18, which states, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing."

The New Testament continues this theme, with James 1:27 declaring, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This underscores the ongoing obligation of the Christian community to provide for widows, recognizing their mourning and need for compassion.

Conclusion

The practice of widows wearing mourning clothes after the death of their husbands is a poignant biblical tradition that underscores the themes of grief, vulnerability, and communal responsibility. Through these visible signs of mourning, the Scriptures call believers to reflect God's heart for justice and mercy towards those who have suffered loss.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 38:14,19
And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him to wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 14:2,5
And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, I pray you, feign yourself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not yourself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... again, are interpreted by some concerning those widows who had ... would not be consistent
if the Apostle were to bid ... taken why should not a sixth after the death ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even ... So he went in, and was clothed
with such garments ... have showed thee a little more, and after that thou ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... So after a few more words, this Reliever said as followeth: I marveled much when
you were entertained at the gate above, being, [as] ye knew, that ye were but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm