In biblical times, the role of the washerman was an essential occupation, responsible for cleaning garments and textiles. This task was particularly important in a society where clothing was a valuable commodity and cleanliness held both practical and ceremonial significance. The washerman's work is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in daily life and religious practices.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 18:17 : "Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They went up and arrived at Jerusalem, and they stood by the aqueduct of the upper pool, which is on the road to the Washerman's Field." This passage situates the washerman's field as a notable landmark in Jerusalem, indicating the presence of a designated area for washing clothes, likely due to its proximity to a water source.

2. Isaiah 7:3 : "Then the LORD said to Isaiah, 'Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Washerman's Field.'" Here, the Washerman's Field serves as a meeting place, again emphasizing its recognition as a significant location within the city.

3. Malachi 3:2 : "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner's fire, like a launderer's soap." This metaphorical use of the launderer's soap illustrates the purifying and cleansing power of God's judgment, likening it to the thorough cleansing performed by a washerman.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The washerman's role extended beyond mere practicality; it held religious implications as well. In a culture where ritual purity was paramount, the cleanliness of garments was crucial for participation in religious ceremonies and daily worship. The washerman ensured that individuals could maintain the standards of purity required by Mosaic Law.

Symbolism:

The act of washing and cleansing is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of spiritual purification and renewal. Just as the washerman cleanses garments, God is depicted as cleansing His people from sin and impurity. This symbolism is evident in passages such as Psalm 51:7 : "Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Conclusion:

The washerman's role in biblical times was both practical and symbolic, serving the community's needs for clean garments and representing the deeper spiritual cleansing that God offers to His people. Through the work of the washerman, the Bible conveys themes of purity, renewal, and preparation for encountering the divine.

Preface.
... I can now, in my mind's eye, see Chickka, the washerman, as if I had met him yesterday;
and I can see the mud houses of Singonahully, the mud wall of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/preface.htm

Washerman's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Washerman's (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 18:17 Then
the king of Assyria sent the Tartan and the Rab-saris and ...
/w/washerman's.htm - 7k

Stream (96 Occurrences)
... And they went up and came to Jerusalem, and took up their position by the stream
of the higher pool, by the highway of the washerman's field. (BBE). ...
/s/stream.htm - 42k

Washes (1 Occurrence)

/w/washes.htm - 6k

Higher (73 Occurrences)
... And they went up and came to Jerusalem, and took up their position by the stream
of the higher pool, by the highway of the washerman's field. (BBE). ...
/h/higher.htm - 28k

Washed (113 Occurrences)

/w/washed.htm - 37k

Flowing (123 Occurrences)
... and Shear-jashub, your son, and you will come across Ahaz at the end of the stream
flowing from the higher pool, in the highway of the washerman's field; (BBE). ...
/f/flowing.htm - 35k

Commander (111 Occurrences)
... to Jerusalem to King Hezekiah with a strong force, and he took up his position by
the stream of the higher pool, by the highway of the washerman's (See NIV). ...
/c/commander.htm - 37k

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