Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, blankets were essential items for warmth and comfort, serving as coverings during sleep and rest. While the Bible does not frequently mention blankets explicitly, the concept of coverings and garments for warmth is present throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament ContextIn the ancient Near East, where the climate could be harsh and cold, especially at night, blankets or similar coverings were vital. The Hebrew word often associated with coverings is "kesut," which can refer to a garment or a covering used for warmth. In
Exodus 22:26-27, the law given to Moses highlights the importance of a cloak, which could also serve as a blanket: "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in?" . This passage underscores the necessity of such coverings for protection against the cold.
Symbolism and UseBlankets and coverings in the Bible can also symbolize protection and care. In
Ruth 3:9, Ruth asks Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her, symbolizing his protection and willingness to take her under his care: "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" . This act of covering is rich in cultural and symbolic meaning, indicating a pledge of protection and provision.
New Testament InsightsWhile the New Testament does not specifically mention blankets, the concept of providing for physical needs, including warmth, is evident. In
Acts 9:39, Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) is remembered for her good works and acts of charity, including making garments for the widows: "So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them" . This passage highlights the early Christian community's concern for providing for the physical needs of its members, which would have included items like blankets for warmth.
Practical and Spiritual ImplicationsThe provision of blankets or coverings in biblical times was not only a practical necessity but also a reflection of God's care and provision for His people.
Isaiah 61:10 uses the imagery of being clothed with garments of salvation, which can be seen as a metaphorical covering: "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" . This spiritual covering signifies God's protection and the righteousness bestowed upon believers.
In summary, while the Bible does not frequently mention blankets specifically, the concept of coverings for warmth and protection is woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both practical needs and deeper spiritual truths.
Library
The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... They packed up nothing but a moderate-sized bundle and a fewblankets,
which were taken out to Joseph to be loaded on the donkey....
"He Has Trusted Me," Said the Cardinal, -- "I have Found Him...
... And there is a woman living near me who has a warm house, with a stove in it," and
blankets to cover her, and a bit of money put by, and I envy her her...
Dawn in the Hills
... Yes, we'll camp!". They dismounted and while Julian unpacked theirblankets, the
Maccabee collected dead reeds and cedar twigs and built a fire....
Of one that was Cured of a Palsy at his Tomb.
... This man, having one day washed in the sea the coverings orblankets which he used
in the guest chamber, was returning home, when on the way, he was seized...
Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... an Atellan play? [1319] A chilly old man is wrapped up inblankets, and
only grows warm in a girl's embrace. Bathsheba was still...
January 1:
... for love than for bread, and the Oil of Joy is very cheap, and if you can help the
poor on with a Garment of Praise it will be better for them thanblankets....
Wesley Clothes French Prisoners
... there was the greatest want. Soon after, the Corporation of Bristol sent
a large quantity of mattresses andblankets. And it was not...
Book xi. Epistle i. To John, Abbot.
... their own workmanship. It is usually supposed to mean some wooller article
of dress, worn by monks. Others understandblankets....
Of those who Having Made Light of Great Things Busy Themselves...
... For if they are too careful about their mats, baskets,blankets, books, and other
trifles such as these, the same passion holds them captive as before....
The Birth of Jesus.
... her own hands] him in swaddling clothes [the new-born Jewish child was washed in
water, rubbed with salt, and then wrapped in bands orblankets, which confined...
Thesaurus
Blankets (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Blankets (2 Occurrences). Judges 5:10 "Tell of it,
you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets
...Blaspheme (16 Occurrences)
Order (809 Occurrences)
... a direction, in writing, to pay money, to furnish supplies, to admit to a building,
a place of entertainment, or the like; as, orders forblankets are large....
Wrap (9 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A wrapper; -- often used in the plural forblankets, furs, shawls, etc.,
used in riding or traveling. Multi-Version Concordance Wrap (9 Occurrences)....
Blanket (1 Occurrence)
Resources
Why did David need Abishag to keep him warm when he had wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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