2.23.26 – What Are You Wearing Today?

One topic that is overlooked by most—in fact, I have never heard one sermon on it outside of the topic of modesty—is the garments (beged) we wear. From our inception, God has woven (sakak) us after the pattern of the Tabernacle's fine twined linen (Ex. 25:4), as well as the covering of the cherubim over the Ark and the Ark itself (Ex. 37:9; 40:3, 21). Ironically, but not surprisingly, this attention to detail within the dwelling place of God is also the garment that must be worn to enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb (Matt. 22:12; Rev. 19:7–8):

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered (sawak) me in my mother's womb."
(Ps. 139:13)

In this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh ("you shall command") (Ex. 27:20–30:10), the major focus is on the priestly garments and the incredible details given to each part of their garments—eight for the High Priest and four for the family of priests. The purpose for the garments is found in two words: glory (kavod) and beauty (tiferet) (Ex. 28:2), which should cause those who identify with the priesthood to pay diligent attention (1 Pet. 2:5–9 :-).

If we stop to look through the pages of Scripture, we will find clothing and/or garments in virtually every story. They make up the character of the person, or they can be a smoke screen to hide the reality of the person—as in the Garden of Eden with the fig leaves.

The Apostle Paul tells us to put on the armor of light (Rom. 13:12), which is the provision we have in our wardrobe to battle the dark days we live in (Col. 3:11–17). The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is also someone who knows how to dress to the nines... she is clothed in strength (oz) and dignity (hadar) (Prov. 31:25). It is this clothing that she wears day and night to be the bride that she was and is (Prov. 31:10–32). Her clothing gives her the ability to smile (sahaq) in the face of adversity and trust in the Lord for whatever will come during uncertain times.

When she puts these garments on daily, she is not only a blessing to her husband and her kids, but to herself and to those she comes in contact with as she labors for His glory every day. This is made clear with strength (oz), which includes capability, protection, a safe haven, and the ability to defend when needed.

Oh, that every woman who recognizes her calling to wear the garment of strength (oz) as an ezer kenegdo (a helper who supports and shows appropriate opposition to her husband and serves as a role model for her daughters); when she covers herself with strength, she also wears the splendor of God in her dignity (hadar) (Ps. 29:4; 45:4; 111:3; etc.). Both strength and dignity God placed upon us to wear from the very beginning (Ps. 8:5):

"For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."
(Ps. 8:5)

Still, in the Middle East and the Far East, clothing indicates more than fashion. For many today, clothing still has that reality. In our American culture, we know this clearly within the business and sporting world, where everyone with the same "occupation" dresses alike so you will know the difference between your teammates and the opponent.

Garments in Scripture carry with them status, rank, and even the character of the person. Could this be the reason why Scripture exhorts us to be clothed in righteousness, clothed in His glory, and to live in such a way that one day our nakedness does not appear and we hear the words "Well done"? You look marvelous in that fine twined linen:

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
(Isa. 61:10)

What will you wear today?

Shalom!
Alan

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