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Bible Encyclopedias
Wool
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (Gr. ἔριον , Hebrews 9:19; Revelation 1:4). The fleece of the sheep, as such, was properly called גֵז or גְּזָּה, while the material of which it was composed was called צֶמֶר; hence גַזִּת הִצֶּמֶר, a fleece of wool (Judges 6:37). Wool was used by the Hebrews from an early period extensively for clothing (Leviticus 13:47; Deuteronomy 22:11; Job 31:20; Proverbs 31:13; Ezekiel 34:3; Hosea 2:5). The importance of wool is incidentally shown by the notice that Mesha's tribute was paid in a certain number of rams "with the wool" (2 Kings 3:4), as well as by its being specified among the first-fruits to be offered to the priests (Deuteronomy 18:4). The wool of Damascus was highly prized in the mart of Tyre (Ezra 27:18), and is compared in the Sept. to the wool of Miletus (ἔρια ἐκ Μιλήτου), the fame of which was widely spread in the ancient world (Pliny 3:73; Virgil, Georg. 3:306; 4:334.) Wool is occasionally cited as an image of purity and brilliancy (Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:14), and the flakes of snow are appropriately likened to it (Psalms 147:16). The art of dyeing it was understood by the Jews (Mishna, Shab. 1, § 6). (See SHEEP); (See WOOLLEN).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Wool'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/w/wool.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
