Dictionary of Bible Themes Primarily associated with mourning, such action was an expression of deep sorrow and heartfelt grief. It was also a natural reaction at times of great distress and in cases of sincere repentance. 2 Samuel 1:11-12The tearing of clothes was a sign of mourning See also It was a demonstration of grief 2 Samuel 13:30-312 Kings 2:11-12 Job 1:20; 2:12 Genesis 37:34 See also It was often associated with wearing sackcloth 2 Samuel 3:31-32Leviticus 21:10-12 See also The high priest was forbidden to tear his clothes in mourning Leviticus 10:1-7Judges 11:34-35 The tearing of clothes indicated deep distress See also Genesis 37:29; 44:12-13Jephthah had vowed to sacrifice whatever came out of the door of his house to meet him. Numbers 14:1-9Joshua 7:3-6 2 Kings 6:26-30; 18:28-19:4 Esther 3:13-4:1 Acts 14:8-18 pp Isa 36:13-37:4 1 Kings 21:20-27Repentance was sometimes accompanied by the tearing of clothes See also Jeremiah 36:21-24Joel 2:12-14 an indication of the lack of repentance God requires that the tearing of clothes should express genuine repentance. Matthew 26:63-65Other references to the tearing of clothes As an expression of anger See also pp Mk 14:61-63 Leviticus 13:53-58To stop the spread of mildew 1 Samuel 15:27-28See also As a symbol of the dividing of the kingdom 1670 symbols5178 running 5198 weeping 5419 mourning 5795 bereavement 5899 lament 6732 repentance 6742 sackcloth & ashes 7376 high priest 8429 fasting 9020 death |
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