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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Clothes, Rending of
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kloÌ„thz, (קריעת בּגדי×, kerı̄‛ath beghaÌ„dhı̄m): This term is used to describe an ordinary tear made in a garment. Samuel's skirt was rent when Saul laid hold upon it (). Jesus spoke about a rent being made in a garment (). The term is also used to describe a Hebrew custom which indicated deep sorrow. Upon the death of a relative or important personage, or when there was a great calamity, it was customary for the Hebrews to tear their garments. Reuben rent his clothes when he found that Joseph had been taken from the pit (). The sons of Jacob rent their clothes when the cup was found in Benjamin's sack (). A messenger came to Eli with his clothes rent to tell of the taking of the ark of God and of the death of his two sons (). David rent his garments when he heard that Absalom had slain his brothers (). See also ; ; ; . Rending of clothes was also an expression of indignation. The high priest rent his garment when Jesus spoke what he thought was blasphemy (). See also MOURNING.