Topical Encyclopedia
The term "mantled" in biblical contexts often refers to being covered or clothed with a garment, typically a cloak or mantle, which carries significant symbolic meaning. In the Scriptures, mantles are often associated with authority, prophetic calling, and divine appointment.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the mantle is prominently featured in the narratives of prophets. One of the most notable instances is the prophet Elijah, who is described as wearing a mantle. This garment was not merely a piece of clothing but a symbol of his prophetic authority and the power of God resting upon him. In
1 Kings 19:19, Elijah casts his mantle upon Elisha, signifying the transfer of his prophetic office: "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him" . This act of mantling Elisha signifies the calling and empowerment of Elisha to succeed Elijah as a prophet.
The mantle also appears in the account of Samuel and Saul. In
1 Samuel 15:27-28, when Samuel turns to leave, Saul seizes the edge of his robe, and it tears. Samuel uses this incident to prophesy the tearing away of the kingdom from Saul: "As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, 'The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you'" . Here, the mantle represents the authority and kingdom that God had given to Saul, which was now being removed due to his disobedience.
Symbolism and SignificanceThe mantle in biblical times was more than a physical garment; it was a symbol of one's office, authority, and the presence of God. It often denoted a divine calling or anointing. The act of being mantled, therefore, was not just about being clothed but about being endowed with a specific role or mission by God.
In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of being mantled can also be seen as a metaphor for being covered by God's protection and grace.
Psalm 104:1-2 speaks of God Himself being clothed with splendor and majesty, using the imagery of a garment: "Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering Yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent" . This passage highlights the divine nature of being mantled, associating it with God's own glory and majesty.
New Testament ReflectionWhile the specific term "mantled" is not frequently used in the New Testament, the concept of being clothed with Christ or the Holy Spirit carries a similar connotation. In
Galatians 3:27, Paul writes, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" . This idea of being clothed with Christ suggests a transformation and empowerment akin to the Old Testament mantling, where believers are endowed with a new identity and purpose in Christ.
In summary, the biblical concept of being mantled encompasses themes of authority, divine calling, and spiritual empowerment. It signifies a covering that is both protective and empowering, marking individuals for God's purposes and service.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Mantle.
Strong's Hebrew
3736. karbel -- to bemantled... 3735, 3736. karbel. 3737 . to be
mantled. Transliteration: karbel Phonetic
Spelling: (kar-bale') Short Definition: clothed. Word
...Library
part i.
... How glorious this idea of creation, and how beautiful the universe produced!"the
wholemantled in the effulgence of the eternal throne; the Sovereign Creator...
Preface
... throne. The years are speeding onward, and gray hairs Of old havemantled
o'er my brows And Salia's consulship from memory dies....
David's Dying Prayer
... a time when every star was bright; when all space was filled with loveliness, when
holiness, purity, and happiness, were like a robe whichmantled the entire...
In Joseph's Tomb
... The darkness that hadmantled the earth at the crucifixion was not more dense than
that which still enveloped the minds of the priests and rulers....
Zerah. CM The Chorus of Angels.
... The Chorus of Angels. (210) Calm on the listening ear of night Come heaven's melodious
strains, Where wild Judea stretches far Her silver-mantled plains....
CMEH Sears. The Birth-Song of Christ.
... The Birth-Song of Christ. 1 Calm on the listening ear of night Come heaven's melodious
strains, Where wild Judea stretches far Her silver-mantled plains!...
Calm on the Listening Ear of Night
... Come heaven's melodious strains,. Where wild Judea stretches far. Her silver-mantled
plains. Celestial choirs from courts above. Shed sacred glories there;...
Christmas Hymn.
... CM EH Sears. Christmas Hymn. 1 Calm on the listening ear of night Come heaven's
melodious strains, Where wild Judea stretches far Her silver-mantled plains!...
Whom the Lady Miriam Sent
... collar of golden rings. What need of further adornment when she wasmantled
and crowned with a glory of golden hair? Except that the...
The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... Of pathless woods; or down the craggy steep. Hurl'd headlong, swam with pain the
mantled pool; Or scaled the cliff; or danced on hollow winds,....
Thesaurus
Mantled (1 Occurrence)... & pp) of Mantle. Multi-Version Concordance
Mantled (1 Occurrence). Psalms 65:13
The pastures are covered with flocks. The valleys also are clothed with grain.
...Mantle (35 Occurrences)
... 11. (vi) To spread out; -- said of wings. 12. (vi) To spread over the surface as
a covering; to overspread; as, the scummantled on the pool. 13....
Mantles (5 Occurrences)
Resources
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