Topical Encyclopedia Sackcloth, a coarse, rough fabric typically made from goat's hair, holds significant symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of mourning, repentance, and affliction. Throughout the Scriptures, the wearing of sackcloth is a physical manifestation of inner turmoil, grief, or penitence, often accompanied by fasting and prayer.Old Testament Instances The use of sackcloth is prevalent in the Old Testament, where it is frequently associated with expressions of deep sorrow or repentance. In Genesis 37:34, Jacob dons sackcloth to mourn the perceived death of his son Joseph: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned for his son many days." This act of wearing sackcloth underscores the depth of Jacob's grief and his profound sense of loss. In 2 Samuel 3:31, David commands Joab and all the people with him to wear sackcloth and mourn for Abner, illustrating the communal aspect of mourning: "Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, 'Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.' And King David himself walked behind the bier." The prophetic books also highlight the use of sackcloth as a sign of repentance. In Jonah 3:5-6, the people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth in response to Jonah's warning of impending judgment: "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." New Testament References While the New Testament contains fewer references to sackcloth, its symbolic significance remains. In Matthew 11:21, Jesus reproaches the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida for their unrepentance despite witnessing His miracles: "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes." The Book of Revelation also alludes to sackcloth in the context of prophetic witness and divine judgment. Revelation 11:3 describes the two witnesses who prophesy in sackcloth: "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." Cultural and Theological Significance The wearing of sackcloth in biblical times was a public demonstration of humility and contrition. It served as an outward sign of an individual's or community's acknowledgment of sin, grief, or calamity, often prompting divine mercy or intervention. The act of donning sackcloth was typically accompanied by other signs of mourning, such as sitting in ashes, tearing one's garments, and fasting. In the broader theological context, sackcloth represents the human response to the divine call for repentance and the acknowledgment of human frailty in the face of God's holiness and justice. It is a tangible expression of the heart's posture before God, seeking His forgiveness, comfort, and restoration. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:1Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackcloths, and earth on them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 69:11 Jonah 3:5 Library Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World. The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622. Christian Morals. Part iii. The Gentle Boy Paul's Departure and Crown; A Discourse Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... St. Gregory the Great. The Tabernacle of the Most High Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources What does it mean that Job repented in dust and ashes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about repentance? What does it mean to repent? | GotQuestions.org Sackcloth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sackcloth was Worn by God's Prophets Sackcloth was Worn by Persons in Affliction Sackcloth was Worn in the Streets Sackcloth was Worn with Ashes on the Head Sackcloth was Worn: At Funerals Sackcloth was Worn: Frequently Next the Skin in Deep Afflictions Sackcloth was Worn: Girt About the Loins Sackcloth was Worn: Often Over the Whole Person Sackcloth was Worn: Often With Ropes on the Head Sackcloth: (Covering the Heavens With) of Severe Judgments Sackcloth: (Girding With) of Heavy Afflictions Sackcloth: (Heavens Becoming As) of Severe Judgments Sackcloth: (Putting of) Joy and Gladness Sackcloth: A Symbol of Mourning Sackcloth: Animals Covered With, at a Time of National Mourning Sackcloth: Made of Coarse Hair Sackcloth: No One Clothed In, Allowed Into the Palaces of Kings Sackcloth: Rough and Unsightly Sackcloth: The Jews Lay In, when in Deep Affliction Sackcloth: Worn by Jacob when It Was Reported to Him That Joseph had been Devoured by Wild Animals Related Terms Sackcloth-garment (1 Occurrence) |
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