Linen

Readers may be interested to read a very informative article from Biblical Training on the use of linen in Bible times. It was highly valued, and could be woven so finely that it looked like silk, almost translucent apparently. Linen is made from the flax plant, and both Egypt and Lebanon had skilled weavers of linen. It must have been expensive, because mostly the wealthy, including the priests, had access to this fabric, which was used not only for clothing, but also for curtains. It was generally bleached to a startling white, but could also be dyed in stunning colours.

Linen is mentioned 87 times in the Bible, including in the book of Ezekiel. For instance, the English Standard Version (ESV) has Ezek 44:18 "They shall have linen turbans on their heads, and linen undergarments around their waists. They shall not bind themselves with anything that causes sweat." 

Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes pomp and circumstance overtook the people, and finery became more important than their obedience to God. The International Children's Bible (ICB) - Ezek 16:13: "So you wore gold and silver. Your dress was made of fine linen, silk and beautiful needlework. You ate fine flour, honey and olive oil. You were very beautiful and became a queen." Ezekiel was ready to warn them about the dangers of vanity in this regard, but it was Jesus who succinctly fashioned the counsel "Don't worry about the clothes you need for your body"(Matt 6:25). 

After the crucifixion, Jesus' body was wrapped in lengths of linen, as was usual at that period.

Julie Swannell