Isaiah 3:22
22 The changeable suits of apparel, [machalatsah] and the mantles, [ma`ataphah] and the wimples, [mitpachath] and the
crisping pins, [chariyt] KJV-Interlinear
22
festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, NASB
The prior verses were descriptions
of ornaments, and now Isaiah changes to descriptions of entire suits of
clothing and apparel.
Changeable suits, ‘machalatsah,’
refers to clothing that is pulled off and thus changed from one set of clothes
to another set of clothes. This is primarily
a reference to more fashionable clothing, more expensive clothing, not common everyday
wear, but clothing that is worn on special occasions.
This would apply to
someone who has several sets of clothing, to someone who has invested a great
deal of time and money in acquiring many sets of clothing. This also implies a status symbol in the
owning of many fashionable sets of apparel, as well as the constant changing of
appearance tailored for some specific or changing audience. Different day, different audience, different
look.
Mantles, ‘ma ataphah,’
means to cover, to clothe. This is a
piece of clothing that is put on over other clothes, like an outer robe or tunic
or coat of sorts, yet these are typically full length from head to foot.
Wimples, ‘mitpachath,’ refers
typically a cloak for the female. It is a hood or veil, and again a piece of
clothing that covers over the top of all other clothing, such as in a full
length hooded coat. It is also referred
to as a wrap around in which one could take a nap or sleep while wearing it. It
is a comfort outer garment. It can also
be used to hide ones identity.
Crisping pins, ‘chariyt,’
refers to purses or large money bags usually attached to the waist, in which
valuables were carried.
Now, while the articles of
jewelry served to decorate the individual, the clothing serves to cover over
all that is remaining, or the entire body.
Isaiah continues to list
the things that have been given more importance than ones own self. Namely the external or outer aspects of the
body, rather than the inner real self, which is the soul.
People will expend great
sums of time and money and effort (many changes), in order make themselves
presentable, clever, dignified, appropriate, better than they really are. Outside are the temporary things, articles of
clothing, while inside where the real person resides, is the real look, the
real substance, or rather lack of it, the hidden self.
The clothing offers a convenient
disguise and deception in so far as other people are concerned. People judge based on the outward
appearance. The opinions of people
amount to nothing.
But the real judge is
God, and it is His judgment (evaluation) which will determine your eternal future.
Gods judgment is not of a
fashion show, but of the soul.
E-Books, E-Book Reader
Your Comments
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Subscription Options
