Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, embroidery was a highly valued craft, often associated with beauty, skill, and wealth. The art of embroidery involved decorating fabric with intricate designs using needle and thread, often incorporating gold, silver, and colorful yarns. This craft is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting its significance in ancient Israelite culture and worship.
Biblical References:1.
Tabernacle and Priestly Garments: Embroidery played a crucial role in the construction of the Tabernacle and the making of priestly garments. In
Exodus 26:36, the Lord commands Moses regarding the entrance to the tent: "You are to make a curtain for the entrance to the tent, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with embroidered work." This indicates the use of embroidery in creating sacred spaces and objects, emphasizing the beauty and holiness required in worship.
2.
Priestly Garments: The garments of the high priest were also adorned with embroidery.
Exodus 28:39 states, "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash." These garments, designed for glory and beauty, were a testament to the skill of the artisans and the importance of presenting oneself with reverence before God.
3.
Symbol of Wealth and Status: Embroidery is also mentioned as a symbol of wealth and status. In
Ezekiel 16:10, God describes His blessings upon Jerusalem, saying, "I clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of fine leather on your feet. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk." Here, embroidered clothing signifies the prosperity and favor bestowed upon the city.
4.
Trade and Commerce: The city of Tyre, known for its wealth and trade, is described in
Ezekiel 27:7: "Your sail was made of fine embroidered linen from Egypt, and your awning of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah." This passage highlights the value of embroidered goods in international trade and the high regard for such craftsmanship.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance:Embroidery in the Bible is not merely an artistic expression but also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. It reflects the care and devotion invested in worship and the presentation of oneself before God. The use of embroidery in sacred contexts underscores the importance of beauty and order in the divine service, symbolizing the intricate and purposeful design of God's creation.
Moreover, the presence of embroidery in descriptions of wealth and status serves as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities that come with prosperity. It calls believers to recognize the source of their blessings and to use their resources in ways that honor God and serve His purposes.
In summary, embroidery in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing artistic skill, divine worship, and the blessings of God. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and order inherent in God's creation and the call to reflect His glory in all aspects of life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Embroider.
Strong's Hebrew
7553. riqmah -- variegated stuff... 7552, 7553. riqmah. 7554 . variegated stuff. Transliteration: riqmah
Phonetic Spelling: (rik-maw') Short Definition:
embroidered.
...Library
Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... It isembroidered with flowers of scarlet, and purple, and blue, and fine
twined linen, but the warp was nothing but fine linen....
Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... railed in. Covering the Altar is an Altar-cloth,embroidered, and varying
in color with the seasons of the Christian Year. The portion...
Devout Customs and Usages
... ground. It is frequentlyembroidered at the foot before and behind {109} and
at the end of the sleeves.... collar. This is oftenembroidered....
Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for...
... which were twenty cubits in extent, and five in height, the curtain was composed
of purple, and scarlet, and blue, and fine linen, andembroidered with many...
There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the...
... the Pope was enthroned in a kind of semi- state, on a gilded chair covered with
crimson velvet; and a rich canopy of the same material,embroidered and fringed...
First Impressions
... It was of gold decorated with precious stones, and between the columns which supported
it hung curtains of silk,embroidered in gold with figures of our Lord...
It is an Annoyance to the Jew that Christ is Said to be Adored...
... glad. Kings' daughters are in Thy honour. The queen stood at Thy right hand,
clad in garments [2047]embroidered with gold. Hearken...
That it Does not Become one in Holy Orders to be Clad in Costly...
... Nor did anyone array himself in raimentembroidered with silk, nor put many coloured
ornaments on the border of his garments; for they had heard from the lips...
A Description of the Temple.
... It was a Babylonian curtain,embroidered with blue, and fine linen, and scarlet,
and purple, and of a contexture that was truly wonderful....
The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... It wasembroidered with all kinds of texts and emblems, and had a kind of inner
lining sewn into it in which the mother could wrap herself....
Thesaurus
Embroidered (26 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Embroider. Multi-Version Concordance
Embroidered (26 Occurrences). Exodus 26:36 And thou
...Gold-embroidered (1 Occurrence)
Gold-embroidered. Gold-covered, Gold-embroidered. Golden .
Multi-Version Concordance Gold-embroidered (1 Occurrence)....
Broidered (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). Psalms 45:14 She shall be led to the king inembroidered work. The
virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you....
Thick (129 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold, wreathed work thou dost make them, work
of thick bands, and thou hast put the thick chains on theembroidered things....
Byssus (40 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:16 And for the gate of the court a curtain of twenty cubits, of blue,
and purple, and scarlet, and twined byssus,embroidered with needlework; their...
Bands (130 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold, wreathed work thou dost make them, work
of thick bands, and thou hast put the thick chains on theembroidered things....
Necks (28 Occurrences)
... A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, a spoil of
dyed garmentsembroidered, of dyed garmentsembroidered on both sides, on the...
Openings (27 Occurrences)
... the work of an engraver in stone, openings of a signet, thou dost open the two stones
by the names of the sons of Israel; turned round,embroidered 'with' gold...
Ladies (8 Occurrences)
... A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, a spoil of
dyed garmentsembroidered, of dyed garmentsembroidered on both sides, on the...
Warrior (36 Occurrences)
... A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, a spoil of
dyed garmentsembroidered, of dyed garmentsembroidered on both sides, on the...
Resources
Who was Sisera in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Holy of Holies? | GotQuestions.orgEmbroidered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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