Weaving was a very creative process that allowed the weavers to express themselves in a variety of ways. In extreme cases, alteration in thread colors and interlacing technique could produce cloth that was intricately designed and had a unique texture. The only limitation on this creative process for the Israelites was the requirement that they not mix different types of thread when making clothing (Lev 19:19; Deut 22:11). Cloth was also woven to play a role in the worship life of God’s Old Testament people. During their early years, the worship facility they used had to be light and portable because they were traveling so often.
Continue reading EVERYDAY LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES (WEAVE PT2)
Israel’s greatest problem throughout its history was syncretism-the mixing of pagan religion with worship of the true God. God judged Israel severely for failing to keep worship clean and pure. And one of the easiest inroads to Israel’s heart was through intermarriage with pagan people’s Ezra knew this well, thus his vehement and emotional opposition to taking foreign spouses. 