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In biblical times, mantles were significant garments that often symbolized authority, responsibility, and spiritual calling. The term "mantle" is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament, to denote a cloak or outer garment. These garments were not only practical for protection against the elements but also carried deeper symbolic meanings.

Old Testament References

1.Elijah and Elisha: One of the most notable references to a mantle is found in the relationship between the prophets Elijah and Elisha. In1 Kings 19:19, Elijah finds Elisha plowing a field and throws his mantle over him, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority and calling. This act signifies Elisha's selection as Elijah's successor. Later, in2 Kings 2:13-14, after Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha picks up Elijah's mantle that had fallen. Elisha uses the mantle to part the waters of the Jordan River, demonstrating that the spirit and authority of Elijah now rest upon him: "He took up the mantle that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters, saying, 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over" (2 Kings 2:13-14).

2.Symbol of Authority and Office: The mantle often represented the office or authority of a prophet. In the case of Elijah and Elisha, the mantle was a tangible sign of the prophetic office and the power of God working through His chosen servants. The passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha is a powerful image of the continuation of God's work through successive generations.

3.Garment of Mourning: In some instances, mantles were associated with mourning and lamentation. InJob 1:20, after hearing of his great losses, Job tears his robe, which is understood to be a mantle, as an expression of his deep grief: "Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped" . The tearing of the mantle was a customary act of mourning and distress in ancient Israel.

4.Priestly and Royal Garments: Mantles were also worn by priests and royalty, signifying their special status and roles. InExodus 28, the priestly garments, including the ephod and robe, are described in detail, highlighting their importance in the religious life of Israel. Although the term "mantle" is not explicitly used in this context, the concept of special garments for those in positions of spiritual leadership is evident.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not specifically mention mantles in the same symbolic manner as the Old Testament, the concept of clothing as a metaphor for spiritual truths continues. Believers are encouraged to "put on" virtues and the character of Christ, as seen inColossians 3:12: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" . This metaphorical use of clothing echoes the Old Testament symbolism of mantles as representations of one's calling and spiritual identity.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In the ancient Near East, clothing was an important indicator of one's social status, occupation, and identity. The mantle, as a significant outer garment, was often made of wool or other durable materials, providing warmth and protection. Its use in biblical narratives underscores the importance of clothing as a symbol of divine calling and authority.

In summary, mantles in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of authority, responsibility, and spiritual calling. Whether as a sign of prophetic succession, a garment of mourning, or a representation of one's office, the mantle carries rich theological and cultural significance throughout the biblical narrative.

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Whereas some say, A cloud is in his head, That doth but show how wisdom's covered
With its ownmantles, and to stir the mind To a search after what it fain...

Preparing to Depart
... old mantle that the prophet used to throw about his shoulders, and he picks it up
joyfully; and our friends, who have gone from us, have left theirmantles too...

For State Reasons, the Various Orders of the Citizens Also are...
... This appellation is given to the crowns which, distinguished by their gems and oak
leaves of gold, they put on, withmantles having an embroidery of palm...

On Sleep.
... carpets, and smooth carpets worked with gold, and long fine robes of purple, and
costly fleecy cloaks, and manufactured rugs of purple, andmantles of thick...

The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... herself upon a large cloth spread on the ground, with her right knee, which was
slightly raised, and her back resting against somemantles, rolled together so...

"And we Beheld his Glory" --A Father's Faith.
... While Jesus went a little distance from them to pray, the three disciples,
wrapped in their thickmantles, lay down to wait for Him....

In this Beginning, O God, Hast Thou Made Heaven and Earth...
... It is Wisdom, Wisdom's self which gleameth through me; severing my cloudiness which
yet againmantles over me, fainting from it, through the darkness which for...

Conversion of the Iberians .
... The queen was healed, and offered as rewards for her cure, gold, silver, tunics,
andmantles, and such gifts as she thought worthy of possession, and such as...

If any One, under Pretence of Asceticism, Should Wear a...
... The beroi (lacern??) were the common upper garments worn by men over the tunic; but
the peribolaia were roughmantles worn by philosophers to show their...

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... I will wear a robe of clay, just such a men wear." Then he takes off all those jewels
wherewith he was glorified; he lays aside his starrymantles and robes of...

Mantles (5 Occurrences)
...Mantles (5 Occurrences).... Isaiah 3:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and themantles,
and the wimples, and the crisping pins, (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....

Tunics (16 Occurrences)
... priests garments. (See JPS). Isaiah 3:22 the festival-robes, and the tunics,
and themantles, and the wallets; (DBY NAS). Daniel 3...

Girdles (13 Occurrences)
... the amulets; (DBY). Isaiah 3:22 the festival robes, and themantles, and the
shawls, and the satchels; (See JPS). Ezekiel 23:15 girded...

Wallets (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wallets (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 the festival-robes,
and the tunics, and themantles, and the wallets; (DBY)....

Wimples (1 Occurrence)
... Wimples (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the
mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, (KJV WBS)....

Festival-robes (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Festival-robes (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:22 the
festival-robes, and the tunics, and themantles, and the wallets; (DBY)....

Mantled (1 Occurrence)

Mantelets (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mantelets (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:22 the festival robes,
and themantles, and the shawls, and the satchels; (See JPS)....

Manual-labour (1 Occurrence)
Manual-labour.Mantles, Manual-labour. Manufacturers . Multi-Version Concordance...
(DBY).Mantles, Manual-labour. Manufacturers . Reference Bible.

Pants (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:21 Then these men were bound in their pants, their tunics, and theirmantles,
and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning...

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