Bible Encyclopedias
Weaving

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(אָרִג , arag) is an art which appears to be coeval with the, first dawning of civilization. In what country or by whom it was invented, we know not; but we find it practiced with great skill by the Egyptians at a very early period, and hence the invention was not unnaturally attributed to them (Pliny, 7:57). The "vestures of fine linen" such as Joseph wore (Genesis 41:42) were the product of Egyptian looms, and their quality, as attested by existing specimens, is pronounced to be not inferior to the finest cambric of modern times (Wilkinson, 2, 75). The Israelites were probably acquainted with the process before their sojourn in Egypt; but it was undoubtedly there that they attained the proficiency which enabled them to execute the hangings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:35; 1 Chronicles 4:21) and other artistic textures. At a later period the Egyptians were still famed for their manufactures of "fine" (hackled) flax and of chorn, חֹרַר, rendered in the A.V. "networks," but more probably a white material either of linen or cotton (Isaiah 19:9; comp. Proverbs 7:16). From them the Tyrians procured the "fine linen with broidered work" for the sails of their vessels (Ezekiel 27:7), the handsome character of which may be inferred from the representations of similar sails in the Egyptian paintings (Wilkinson, 2, 131, 167). Weaving was carried on in Egypt generally, but not universally, by men (Herod. 2, 35; comp. Wilkinson, 2, 84). ‘‘ his was the case also among the Jews about the time of the Exode (1 Chronicles 4:21): but in later times it usually fell to the lot of the females to supply the household with clothing (1 Samuel 2:19; 2 Kings 23:7), and an industrious housewife would produce a surplus, for sale to others (Proverbs 31:13; Proverbs 31:19; Proverbs 31:24).

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