Dress

(1.) Materials used. The earliest and simplest an apron of fig-leaves sewed together (Genesis 3:7); then skins of animals (3:21). Elijah’s dress was probably the skin of a sheep (2 Kings 1:8). The Hebrews were early acquainted with the art of weaving hair into cloth (Exodus 26:7; 35:6), which formed the sackcloth of mourners. This was the material of John the Baptist’s robe (Matthew 3:4). Wool was also woven into garments (Leviticus 13:47; Deuteronomy 22:11; Ezekiel 34:3; Job 31:20; Proverbs 27:26). The Israelites probably learned the art of weaving linen when they were in Egypt (1 Chronicles 4:21). Fine linen was used in the vestments of the high priest (Exodus 28:5), as well as by the rich (Genesis 41:42; Proverbs 31:22; Luke 16:19). The use of mixed material, as wool and flax, was forbidden (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:11).

(2.) Colour. The prevailing colour was the natural white of the material used, which was sometimes rendered purer by the fuller’s art (Psalms 104:1, 2; Isaiah 63:3; Mark 9:3). The Hebrews were acquainted with the art of dyeing (Genesis 37:3, 23). Various modes of ornamentation were adopted in the process of weaving (Exodus 28:6; 26:1, 31; 35:25), and by needle-work (Judges 5:30; Psalms 45:13). Dyed robes were imported from foreign countries, particularly from Phoenicia (Zephaniah 1:8). Purple and scarlet robes were the marks of the wealthy (Luke 16:19; 2 Samuel 1:24).

(3.) Form. The robes of men and women were not very much different in form from each other.

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Author: Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Keywords: Dress

Source: Matthew G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary.