In biblical times, the concept of a "blanket" as we understand it today may not have been explicitly mentioned, but coverings for warmth and protection were certainly a part of daily life. The Bible often refers to garments, cloaks, and other coverings that served similar purposes to modern blankets.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, coverings were essential for protection against the elements. For instance, in Exodus 22:26-27, the law given to Moses includes a provision for returning a neighbor's cloak before sunset if it was taken as a pledge: "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 highlights the importance of such coverings for warmth and as a basic necessity for survival.

The account of Ruth also provides insight into the use of coverings. In Ruth 3:7-9, Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor and uncovers his feet, lying down beside him. When Boaz awakens, Ruth requests, "Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" . This act symbolizes protection and provision, akin to the security a blanket might provide.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, while specific references to blankets are not prevalent, the use of cloaks and garments continues to be significant. In Acts 9:36-39, the disciple Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) is noted for her good works and acts of charity, including making garments for the widows. When she dies, the widows show Peter the robes and other clothing she had made, underscoring the importance of such items for comfort and warmth.

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Throughout Scripture, coverings often carry symbolic meanings. They can represent God's protection and care for His people. In Ezekiel 16:8, God describes His covenant with Israel using the imagery of spreading a garment over them: "Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread the corner of My garment over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord GOD, and you became Mine" . This metaphor illustrates God's protective and covenantal relationship with His people.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, blankets and coverings in biblical times were essential for warmth, modesty, and protection. They were often made from wool, linen, or other available materials, reflecting the resources and technology of the period. The biblical emphasis on caring for the poor and providing for those in need often included ensuring they had adequate clothing and coverings, as seen in the laws of the Old Testament and the charitable acts of the early church.

In summary, while the Bible may not explicitly mention "blankets" as we know them today, the concept of coverings for warmth and protection is woven throughout Scripture, carrying both practical and symbolic significance.1. (n.) A heavy, loosely woven fabric, usually of wool, and having a nap, used in bed clothing; also, a similar fabric used as a robe; or any fabric used as a cover for a horse.

2. (n.) A piece of rubber, felt, or woolen cloth, used in the tympan to make it soft and elastic.

3. (n.) A streak or layer of blubber in whales.

4. (v. t.) To cover with a blanket.

5. (v. t.) To toss in a blanket by way of punishment.

6. (v. t.) To take the wind out of the sails of (another vessel) by sailing to windward of her.

4541b. massekah -- woven stuff, web, covering
... 4541a, 4541b. massekah. 4542 . woven stuff, web, covering. Transliteration:
massekah Short Definition: blanket. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/4541b.htm - 5k

The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living
... Rugs, to them, belonged on beds, not on floors, and they would no more think
of walking on my rug than you would on my best blanket! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 2 the right to.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... had taken possession. The others were above. We had but one blanket between
us and the floor, and one over us. The other one we ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

Introduction
... I said to him, "I am a poor man, and except this blanket I have nothing at all.
You had better go to the village near by and ask for help there." And lo! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/introduction.htm

Dialogue Between a Gentleman and a Shepherd.
... The shepherd had a handkerchief round his head, a grey woollen blanket tied
like a hood, and a six-cubit piece of cloth round his loins. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter five dialogue between a.htm

"Little Mother"
... She lined the oblong tub with a blanket, and made ready bread and cold meat left
from supper. With Rob's assistance she dragged the tub upstairs. ...
/.../shaw/touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/little mother.htm

The Boy and the Nickel
... A man was once told that Caesar was going to cause him great unhappiness, and he
replied that if Caesar could blot out the sun with a blanket he might make him ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the boy and the nickel.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... In place of the one coarse garment which was their covering by day, and their blanket
at night, they hoped that Christ would give them the rich and costly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm

God's Method of Saving.
... Such a thing as might be represented by throwing a blanket over the head of a horse
in a burning stable, and so getting it out by coaxing, and forcing, and ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/gods method of saving.htm

The World-Winning Climb.
... hoped, admiration of the world. A picturesque cap and a gayly colored blanket
were part of his outfit. The old toughened guides, experienced ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the world-winning climb.htm

Of the Conveniences of the Coenobium.
... ie, acquisition of material things grown, that actually under pretence of hospitality
and welcoming guests anchorites have begun to keep a blanket in their ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vi of the conveniences.htm

Blanket (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) A streak or layer of blubber in whales. 4. (vt) To cover with a blanket.
5. (vt) To toss in a blanket by way of punishment. ...Blanket (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/blanket.htm - 7k

Oneself (10 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the
blanket is too narrow to wrap oneself in. (WEB DBY NAS RSV). ...
/o/oneself.htm - 9k

Lapping (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lap. 2. (n.) A kind of machine blanket or wrapping material
used by calico printers. Multi-Version Concordance Lapping (2 Occurrences). ...
/l/lapping.htm - 7k

Wrap (9 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket
is too narrow to wrap oneself in. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/wrap.htm - 9k

Blandishments (3 Occurrences)

/b/blandishments.htm - 7k

Blankets (2 Occurrences)

/b/blankets.htm - 6k

Couch (55 Occurrences)
... bed. 4. (vt) To transfer (as sheets of partly dried pulp) from the wire
cloth mold to a felt blanket, for further drying. 5. (vt ...
/c/couch.htm - 25k

Narrow (21 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is too short
to stretch out on, and the blanket is too narrow to wrap oneself in. ...
/n/narrow.htm - 14k

Self (28 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket is too
narrow to wrap oneself in. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/s/self.htm - 15k

Stretch (73 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket is too
narrow to wrap oneself in. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/stretch.htm - 31k

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