Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SPINNING, WEAVING, LOOM

Spinning and weaving are the major processes in the production of cloth and were familiar in biblical times. While these activities were traditionally the work of women in the home (Prov. 31:13, 19, 22, 24), there is evidence that men became involved in cloth production as an economic enterprise.

Threads were produced from raw fibers by spinning (Matt. 6:28 = Luke 12:27). Flax, or linen (Heb. pēšeṯ, pištâ; Lev. 13:47-48; Prov. 31:13; Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 40:3; 44:17; Hos. 2:5[MT 7]), and wool (ṣemer; Lev. 13:47) were the major fibers used in the biblical world. In spinning (ṭāwâ), raw fibers were pulled into a loose strand, often held by a distaff (kîšôr; Prov. 31:19), and twisted to form a continuous thread. A spindle (peleḵ; 2 Sam. 3:29; Prov. 31:19) was a slender stick which could be twirled to twist a strand of fibers caught in a hook or slot at the top. A disklike weight, or spindle whorl, was fitted to the spindle as a flywheel for more efficient twisting. Spun thread was wound onto the stick.

Sometimes thread, especially linen, was twined (šāzar), two or three threads being twisted together (Exod. 26:1; 36:8, 35). Finished thread, whether wool or linen, could be used for weaving (Exod. 35:25).

Weaving is the interlacing of threads to form fabric. While weaving was conducted in homes, some weavers apparently were professionals who specialized in particular types of work. The OT differentiates between ordinary weavers (ʾōrēg; Exod. 39:22, 27), “designers” (ḥōšēḇ; 26:1; 28:6; 36:8), and “embroiderers” (rōqēm; 26:36; 28:39; 36:37).

Weaving was generally conducted on looms, devices designed to create openings (sheds) between alternating vertical warp threads through which the horizontal weft threads were passed. After each weft thread was placed, it was beaten against the previous one with a flat stick, thus firming up the fabric. Three main loom designs were used in the biblical world. On a horizontal ground loom, the warp threads were stretched between beams pegged to the ground. This type is apparently referred to in the Samson story (Judg. 16:13-14), as it would have enabled Delilah to weave his locks while he slept; when Samson jumped up, he pulled away the pins of the loom (ʾereg; v. 14b) which secured the beams to the ground.

In some vertical looms the warp was stretched between two beams fixed in a rectangular frame. Work proceeded from the bottom of the loom and the woven cloth could be rolled onto the bottom beam (Isa. 38:12). This permitted the weaver to remain seated and produce much longer finished products. The metaphor by which the shaft of a mighty man’s spear is likened to a “weaver’s beam” (1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 21:19) may derive from the size of the bottom beams of upright looms. It is also possible that the image indicated the spear was attached to a thong by a ring, like the shuttle used by the weaver to throw the weft through the shed of large looms.

Warp-weighted looms had the warp threads attached to an upper beam and held taut in groups by a series of stone or clay weights. Weaving was done from the top to the bottom and the weft beaten upward. Large numbers of excavated loom weights testify to the popularity of warp-weighted looms in ancient Israel. Stripes or bands of color were made by using dyed threads for portions of the warp or weft threads. Warp-weighted looms allowed portions of the shed to be opened at a time, so intricate patterns could be made in the weft by covering small areas with different colors. This type of weaving was most easily and effectively done by using linen warps and wool wefts. The work of “embroiderers” and “designers” in producing curtains for the tabernacle and the high priestly garments (Exod. 26:1, 36; 39:29) may have involved such mixing. The prohibition of wearing clothes made of linen and wool woven together (Deut. 22:11) may lie in a taboo against using “sacred” techniques for profane purposes.

Bibliography. E. J. W. Barber, Prehistoric Textiles (Princeton, 1991); Women’s Work: The First 20,000 Years (New York, 1994); C. Bier, “Textile Arts in Ancient Western Asia,” CANE 3: 1567-88.

Daniel C. Browning, Jr.

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SPINNING, WEAVING, LOOM

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)