Jesus Christ Was Clothed In Fine White Linen, How Was Linen Used In The Bible?

[Bible Speaks]

How was Linen used in the Bible? 

The cleanness and purity of white linen, it is used in the Scriptures to symbolize righteousness.

The robe of fine white linen worn by the Aaronic high priest was to be woven in checkerwork, evidence that the Israelites were well acquainted with the art, being able to weave patterns into their fabrics.—Ex 28:39.

In the construction of the tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab were experts whose ability was increased and sharpened by God’s holy spirit, so that they could do the required work exactly according to the pattern given by Jehovah. (Ex 35:30-35)

Also, there were women with fine ability in this direction, spinning thread from flax and from wool. (Ex 35:25, 26)

In making the fabric for the ephod of Aaron the high priest, the workmen “beat plates of gold to thin sheets, and . . . cut out threads to work in among the blue thread and the wool dyed reddish purple and the coccus scarlet material and the fine linen, as the work of an embroiderer.”—Ex 39:2, 3.

Linen was woven from flax, which has much longer fibers than cotton and is easier to spin but is harder to dye. Linen was a cherished item in the wardrobes of kings and high officials. Joseph was clothed with “garments of fine linen” when he was made a ruler in Egypt. (Ge 41:42) Also, Mordecai went out from before the Persian king in royal apparel of blue and linen. (Es 8:15) Women valued clothing made of linen.—Pr 31:22.

Other Uses. Cloth bands were used as swaddling bands for newborn babies. (Lu 2:7) The Jews also had the custom of preparing bodies for burial by binding them with bandages of clean linen along with spices (not an embalming process such as the Egyptians practiced). (Joh 19:40; Mt 27:59)

After Jesus’ resurrection John and Peter found the bandages and the cloth that had been upon Jesus rolled up separately lying in the tomb. (Joh 20:5-7)

When Lazarus was resurrected he came out of the tomb with his countenance still bound up with the cloth that had been placed over his head at burial—apparently a long piece of linen fabric.—Joh 11:44.

Money was sometimes kept wrapped in a cloth. This was the way the wicked slave referred to in one of Jesus’ illustrations kept his mina instead of investing it. (Lu 19:20) Money was often carried in the voluminous folds of the bosom of the garment, probably wrapped in such cloths.

God’s law to the people of Israel commanded: “You must not wear mixed stuff of wool and linen together.” (De 22:11; see also Le 19:19.) Regarding this, theEncyclopaedia Judaica (Jerusalem, 1973, Vol. 14, col. 1213) remarked: “The clothing of the priests was notably exempt from the prohibition of [sha·ʽat·nez′] [a garment of two sorts of thread, NW]. Exodus 28:6, 8, 15 and 39:29 prescribe that various pieces be made of linen and colored wool interwoven. . . . This suggests that the general prohibition was grounded on the taboo character of such a mixture, pertaining exclusively to the realm of the sacred.”

Figurative Usage. Because of the cleanness and purity of white linen, it is used in the Scriptures to symbolize righteousness. The garments next to the high priest’s body, namely the drawers, robe, and turban, as well as the drawers, robes, and headgears for the underpriests, were made of fine, white linen. (Ex 28:39-42; compare Job 29:14.)

The bride of the Lamb is arrayed in bright, clean, fine linen, for “the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the holy ones.” (Re 19:8) The armies following Jesus Christ in heaven are represented as being clothed in white, clean, fine linen. (Re 19:14) Babylon the Great, which has been rich in the traffic of merchandise including fine linen, also has put on an appearance of righteousness, being “clothed with fine linen,” while at the same time carrying on the activities of a harlot.—Re 18:3, 12, 16

Figurative Use. Babylon the Great is depicted as being arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, representing luxury. (Re 18:16) But in the case of the bride of Christ the fine linen of her apparel is clearly said to represent “the righteous acts of the holy ones.”

Likewise the heavenly armies are shown clothed in white, clean, fine linen, indicative of their carrying on war in righteousness.—Re 19:8, 11, 14; see also Da 10:5; Re 15:6
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