In biblical times, the concept of a wardrobe encompassed more than just a collection of clothing; it often referred to the storage and management of garments, which held significant cultural and religious importance. The wardrobe was a symbol of status, wealth, and sometimes spiritual readiness.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several insights into the significance of clothing and wardrobes. In 2 Kings 10:22, Jehu orders the keeper of the wardrobe to bring out garments for the worshipers of Baal, indicating that wardrobes were used to store specific garments for religious purposes. This highlights the role of clothing in religious ceremonies and the importance of maintaining a dedicated space for such garments.

In Isaiah 22:21, the prophet speaks of Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, being clothed with a robe and a sash, symbolizing the transfer of authority and responsibility. This passage underscores the symbolic nature of garments in conveying authority and divine appointment.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the wardrobe continues to hold symbolic meaning. In Matthew 6:28-29, Jesus uses the example of the lilies of the field, which do not labor or spin, yet are clothed more splendidly than Solomon in all his glory. This teaching emphasizes reliance on God's provision rather than material wealth, suggesting that the true value of a wardrobe lies not in its opulence but in the trust in God's care.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Throughout the Bible, clothing often signifies one's role, status, and spiritual condition. Priestly garments, as described in Exodus 28, were intricately designed and held deep religious significance, symbolizing purity and dedication to God. The high priest's wardrobe included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific symbolic meanings and functions.

The wardrobe also served as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and moral character. In Ephesians 6:11, believers are instructed to "put on the full armor of God," likening spiritual virtues to garments that protect and prepare one for spiritual battles.

Practical Aspects

In practical terms, a wardrobe in biblical times would have been a simple storage space, possibly a chest or a designated area within a home, where garments were kept. The materials and quality of the clothing stored would vary based on one's social and economic status. Wealthier individuals might have garments made of fine linen or wool, while the poor would have simpler, more utilitarian clothing.

Symbolism and Lessons

The biblical concept of a wardrobe extends beyond the physical storage of clothing to encompass themes of identity, provision, and spiritual preparedness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being clothed in righteousness and relying on God's provision rather than material wealth. The wardrobe, in its various forms and functions, reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's care, human responsibility, and the call to live a life of holiness and service.1. (n.) A room or apartment where clothes are kept, or wearing apparel is stored; a portable closet for hanging up clothes.

2. (v. t.) Wearing apparel, in general; articles of dress or personal decoration.

3. (n.) A privy.

4458. meltachah -- probably wardrobe, wearing apparel
... 4457, 4458. meltachah. 4459 . probably wardrobe, wearing apparel. Transliteration:
meltachah Phonetic Spelling: (mel-taw-khaw') Short Definition: wardrobe. ...
/hebrew/4458.htm - 6k

899. beged -- treachery
... a covering, ie Clothing; also treachery or pillage -- apparel, cloth(-es, ing),
garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, X very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. ...
/hebrew/899.htm - 5k

899b. beged -- a garment, covering
... a garment, covering NASB Word Usage cloth (8), clothes (81), clothing (6), garment
(39), garments (72), lap (1), robes (5), saddlecloths* (1), wardrobe (2). ...
/hebrew/899b.htm - 5k

Letter iv. Personal Habits.
... toilet. The wide deep closet was filled with the appurtenances of a young
lady's wardrobe, but was strikingly neat and attractive. ...
/.../letter iv personal habits.htm

The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
... Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum
the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the rediscovered law and its.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... From the description given of the wardrobe of our Saviour, it is probable
that he wore the common dress of a religious teacher. ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm

Letter ccxi. (AD 423. )
... to shake them so as to keep them from being injured by moths; and as your food is
supplied from one storeroom, let your clothes be provided from one wardrobe. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxi a d 423.htm

The Heart: a Gift for God
... see. I could not make out why she was so flighty, giddy, frothy, till
I discovered that she had kept her heart in a wardrobe. A ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the heart a gift for.htm

Prefatory Notice.
... He who would see the entire wardrobe of the Dreamer's mind, and the shape and
proportions of the goodly vestures of truth in which he sought to array himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/prefatory notice.htm

The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish
... backward area, or in short sleeves when everyone else has elbows duly covered, her
senior missionary attempts to suggest a bit of alteration in her wardrobe. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 4 the right to.htm

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... indulged themselves in the refreshment of the bath, they resume their rings and
the other ensigns of their dignity, select from their private wardrobe (of the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... was the gate of Nicanor, and two chambers belonged to it, one on the right hand,
and one on the left"the one the chamber of Phineas, the wardrobe keeper, and ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

The Presbyter
... ordered. Eutropius was seen to be busy in taking from the imperial wardrobe
some of the splendid robes and jewels of former empresses. ...
/.../chapter xii the presbyter.htm

Wardrobe (4 Occurrences)
...Wardrobe (4 Occurrences). 2 Kings 10:22 And he said to him that was over the
wardrobe, Bring forth vestments for all the servants of Baal. ...
/w/wardrobe.htm - 8k

Shallum (27 Occurrences)
... He was the keeper of the sacred wardrobe and was probably the uncle of Jeremiah
the prophet (Jeremiah 32:7; compare Jeremiah 35:4). (10) King of Judah and son ...
/s/shallum.htm - 22k

Prophetess (8 Occurrences)
... and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of
Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she ...
/p/prophetess.htm - 10k

College (2 Occurrences)
... Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum
the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she ...
/c/college.htm - 9k

District (59 Occurrences)
... and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of
Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she ...
/d/district.htm - 24k

Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of
Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she ...
/q/quarter.htm - 21k

Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of
Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she ...
/k/keeper.htm - 30k

Huldah (2 Occurrences)
... She was the wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe, and resided in the "Mishneh"
or second part or quarter of Jerusalem (location unknown). ...
/h/huldah.htm - 9k

Hasrah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Poverty, "keeper of the wardrobe," ie, of the sacerdotal
vestments (2 Chronicles 34:22); called Harhas 2 Kings 22:14. ...
/h/hasrah.htm - 7k

Hilkijah (30 Occurrences)
... and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of
Shallum the son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe: now she dwelt ...
/h/hilkijah.htm - 16k

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