Cotton and linen

[By Grace]

Are these the two threads that are not to be woven together? Is it woven together or worn together that is prohibited?

Also, does everyone here abide by this?

[Sephania]

Linen ( plant) and wool ( animal ) these are the only two specific. Woven together.
And yes I abide by that.

[MyZz]

Me too...

[visionary]

Are these the two threads that are not to be woven together? Is it woven together or worn together that is prohibited?

Also, does everyone here abide by this?If I remember right, cotton we in the south are use to, but the rye plant, I think provides the fibres for linen...

[Sephania]

Linen comes from the flax plant. It is quite a process to beat it down to make a thread, I've watched it done and it is very labor intensive.

[Shimshon]

11 You are not to wear clothing woven with two kinds of thread, wool and linen together.

Jill it's both. Dont 'wear' clothing 'woven'. I suppose you can weave them together without fear, just don't wear them. Just as I suppose you could wear them seperately without having them woven.

The reason Rabbinics do not wear mixed fabrics is because they fear one of the mixes will be the forbiden two. And better to be safe than sorry.

[Bruce101]

I don't like polyester.
LOL
Sorry, I couldn't help myself
Bruce

[Sephania]

so, what are you saying Shimshon, we can't wear mixed fiber clothing? Even if its not of any wool or linen? :scratch:

[Yehoshua]

I'm also a bit confused on this. I've read the verses that prohibit it, but I guess I have not really taken the time to find out why. Can anyone elaborate? What's the original context of the prohibition, the reason behind it, and it's relevence as to what clothes we may wear today.

[Beth-el girl]

Odd mixtures are here forbidden, v. 9, 10. Much of this we met with before, Lev. 19:19 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Lev/Lev019.html#19). There appears not any thing at all of moral evil in these things, and therefore we now make no conscience of sowing wheat and rye together, ploughing with horses and oxen together, and of wearing linsey-woolsey garments; but hereby is forbidden either, 1. A conformity to some idolatrous customs of the heathen. Or, 2. That which is contrary to the plainness and purity of an Israelite. They must not gratify their own vanity and curiosity by putting those things together which the Creator in infinite wisdom had made asunder: they must not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, nor mingle themselves with the unclean, as an ox with an ass. Nor must their profession and appearance in the world be motley, or party-coloured, but all of a piece, all of a kind.
Here's another commentary.......





These practices might have been considered as altering the original constitution of God in creation; and this is the view which the Jews, and also Josephus and Philo, take of the subject. There were, probably, also both moral and political reasons for these prohibitions. With respect to heterogenous mixtures among cattle, it was probably forbidden, to prevent excitements to the abominations condemned in the preceding chapter. As to seeds, in many cases, it would be highly improper to sow different kinds in the same plot of ground. If oats and wheat, for instance, were sown together, the latter would be injured, and the former ruined. This prohibition may therefore be regarded as a prudential agricultural maxim. As to different kinds of garments, the prohibition might be intended against pride and vanity in clothing. Gen 36:24 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Gen_36_24_1#Gen_36_24_1); 2Sa 13:29 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#2Sa_13_29_1#2Sa_13_29_1); 2Sa 18:9 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#2Sa_18_9_1#2Sa_18_9_1); 1Ki 1:33 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#1Ki_1_33_1#1Ki_1_33_1); Ezr 2:66 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Ezr_2_66_1#Ezr_2_66_1)

mingled (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#mingled_2#mingled_2)



Deu 22:9-11 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Deu_22_9_2#Deu_22_9_2); Mat 9:16 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Mat_9_16_2#Mat_9_16_2),17 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Mat_9_17_2#Mat_9_17_2); Rom 11:6 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Rom_11_6_2#Rom_11_6_2); 2Cr 6:14-17 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#2Cr_6_14_2#2Cr_6_14_2); Gal 3:9-11 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Lev/19/19.html#Gal_3_9_2#Gal_3_9_2)



19. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind--This prohibition was probably intended to discourage a practice which seemed to infringe upon the economy which God has established in the animal kingdom.
thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed--This also was directed against an idolatrous practice, namely, that of the ancient Zabians, or fire-worshippers, who sowed different seeds, accompanying the act with magical rites and invocations; and commentators have generally thought the design of this and the preceding law was to put an end to the unnatural lusts and foolish superstitions which were prevalent among the heathen. But the reason of the prohibition was probably deeper: for those who have studied the diseases of land and vegetables tell us, that the practice of mingling seeds is injurious both to flowers and to grains. "If the various genera of the natural order Gramineae, which includes the grains and the grasses, should be sown in the same field, and flower at the same time, so that the pollen of the two flowers mix, a spurious seed will be the consequence, called by the farmers chess. It is always inferior and unlike either of the two grains that produced it, in size, flavor, and nutritious principles. Independently of contributing to disease the soil, they never fail to produce the same in animals and men that feed on them" [WHITLAW].
neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee--Although this precept, like the other two with which it is associated, was in all probability designed to root out some superstition, it seems to have had a further meaning. The law, it is to be observed, did not prohibit the Israelites wearing many different kinds of cloths together, but only the two specified; and the observations and researches of modern science have proved that "wool, when combined with linen, increases its power of passing off the electricity from the body. In hot climates, it brings on malignant fevers and exhausts the strength; and when passing off from the body, it meets with the heated air, inflames and excoriates like a blister" [WHITLAW]. (See Eze 44:17, 18 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eze/Eze044.html#17)).









FroLeviticus 19:19


19'You are to keep My statutes. You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; (A (http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Leviticus%2019:19;%20Deuteronomy%2022:11#cen-NASB-3301A))you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together.

Deut 22

11"(A (http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Leviticus%2019:19;%20Deuteronomy%2022:11#cen-NASB-5482A))You shall not wear a material mixed of wool and linen together



When you read all of this it's about not conforming to the ways of the world. Not worrying about how others are dressed. To me it pointed to be holy not as others would be like women not shaving their heads us not eating what God says is unclean. Not keeping others days.

[By Grace]

Linen ( plant) and wool ( animal ) these are the only two specific. Woven together.
And yes I abide by that.

You have no idea how happy I am to know that I was wrong about which kinds of thread should not be worn together! Last summer, I bought a pair of capris on sale that I was looking forward to wearing this summer. But now, with my new understanding of Torah, I checked the tag and saw that the fabric is made of linen and cotton, and at the time, I was thinking that linen and cotton were the forbidden combination. So I was so disappointed, and fighting with myself over it--should I throw them away, even though I REALLY wanted to keep them and wear them? Well, I had decided to just get rid of them, and chalked it up as a learning experience that would remind me later to check the tags of clothes before I buy them. But now, I get to keep them!

I know, this sounds so ridiculously vain; after all the other things I've gladly given up in my pursuit of Torah observance (Christmas and other holidays, Saturday yard sales--that's a tough one!, and so on), why should I be so upset about a pair of capris? How spoiled am I??? :( Anyway, I'm glad I reached the decision that I did before I realized it wasn't even necessary. It was a humbling and learning experience; I learned more about what my weaknesses are and what things I value too highly. :bow:

[By Grace]

Jill it's both. Dont 'wear' clothing 'woven'. I suppose you can weave them together without fear, just don't wear them. Just as I suppose you could wear them seperately without having them woven.

The reason Rabbinics do not wear mixed fabrics is because they fear one of the mixes will be the forbiden two. And better to be safe than sorry.

My confusion with "woven" vs. "wear" is not so much about whether or not I can physically weave them together, but more, do they have to be woven for it to be forbidden? For example, can I wear a linen shirt with a wool sweater?

[Sephania]

Deut 22:11

Thou shalt not wear (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=03847&version=kjv) a garment of divers sorts, (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=08162&version=kjv) as of woollen (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=06785&version=kjv) and linen (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=06593&version=kjv) together. (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=03162&version=kjv)





If you go to the Hebrew you will see it says wool and linen together and together is translated from the Hebrew, Echad. I think we all know what echad means. So this would mean that it is talking about in one garment.



Lev 19:19 neither shall a garment (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=0899&version=kjv) mingled (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=03610&version=kjv) of linen and woollen (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=08162&version=kjv) come (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=05927&version=kjv) upon thee.



Come – awlah could mean many things




to go up, ascend, climb
(Qal)
to go up, ascend
to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat
to go up, come up (of animals)
to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation)
to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon)
to come up (before God)
to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary)
to excel, be superior to

(Niphal)
to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away
to take oneself away
to be exalted

(Hiphil)
to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up
to bring up, bring against, take away
to bring up, draw up, train
to cause to ascend
to rouse, stir up (mentally)
to offer, bring up (of gifts)
to exalt
to cause to ascend, offer

(Hophal)
to be carried away, be led up
to be taken up into, be inserted in
to be offered

(Hithpael) to lift oneself

In interest of this it sounds ominous.



the observations and researches of modern science have proved that "wool, when combined with linen, increases its power of passing off the electricity from the body. In hot climates, it brings on malignant fevers and exhausts the strength; and when passing off from the body, it meets with the heated air, inflames and excoriates like a blister" [WHITLAW]. (See Eze 44:17, 18 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eze/Eze044.html#17)).


It is intereseting to note that the verse cited in Eze speaks of the coming temple and the priest not being allowed to wear the wool and linen as they did in the other temple times

44:17 And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within. NO SWEAT 44:18 They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat. The priest garments of the Mishkan were of linen and goats hair, which is wool.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Torah teaches about the power of combinations and warns against mixing the wrong things together. One of these is the prohibition against wearing a mixture of wool and linen in the same piece of clothing, as it is written, "You shall not wear combined fibers, wool and linen together" (Deut. 22:11).

In Hebrew, this forbidden mixture is called "shatnez" (pronounced shot-nezz).

Shatnez is an acronym for "combed, spun and woven," which describes the stages in processing fabric: combing the raw fiber, spinning fibers into a thread, and weaving the threads into cloth.

http://www.aish.com/literacy/mitzvahs/Wool_and_Linen_=_Shatnez.asp

It is permitted to wear a linen garment over a wool garment, or vice versa, since they are not attached to each other. For example, it is permitted to wear a linen jacket and wool pants, or a linen scarf wrapped around a wool dress, or a linen tie under a wool jacket.

[By Grace]

Thanks, Jen, for all that information. Interesting stuff.


FroLeviticus 19:19




19'You are to keep My statutes. You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; (A (http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Leviticus%2019:19;%20Deuteronomy%2022:11#cen-NASB-3301A))you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together.

Yk, today so many of our domesticated animals, from cows to dogs to sheep, are bred to produce certain traits. Even "purebred" animals are breeds that have been developed from mixed breeding earlier. I wonder what it means by forbidding the breeding of "two kinds of cattle".

Also, if I plant a small garden in my back yard, how can I keep from mixing two kinds of seed? Would keeping the different plants in different rows be sufficient?

[Beth-el girl]

Thanks, Jen, for all that information. Interesting stuff.


Yk, today so many of our domesticated animals, from cows to dogs to sheep, are bred to produce certain traits. Even "purebred" animals are breeds that have been developed from mixed breeding earlier. I wonder what it means by forbidding the breeding of "two kinds of cattle".

Also, if I plant a small garden in my back yard, how can I keep from mixing two kinds of seed? Would keeping the different plants in different rows be sufficient?


Lev 19:19-29 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Lev/Lev019.html#19) Here is, I. A law against mixtures, v. 19. God in the beginning made the cattle after their kind (Gen. 1:25 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gen/Gen001.html#25)), and we must acquiesce in the order of nature God hath established, believing that is best and sufficient, and not covet monsters. Add thou not unto his works, lest he reprove thee; for it is the excellency of the work of God that nothing can, without making it worse, be either put to it or taken from it, Eccl. 3:14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Ecc/Ecc003.html#14). As what God has joined we must not separate, so what he has separated we must not join. The sowing of mingled corn and the wearing of linsey-woolsey garments are forbidden, either as superstitious customs of the heathen or to intimate how careful they should be not to mingle themselves with the heathen nor to weave any of the usages of the Gentiles into God’s ordinances. Ainsworth suggests that it was to lead Israel to the simplicity and sincerity of religion, and to all the parts and doctrines of the law and gospel in their distinct kinds. As faith is necessary, good works are necessary, but to mingle these together in the cause of our justification before God is forbidden, Gal. 2:16 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gal/Gal002.html#16).

I think it has to do with purity of what God has given us. Flowers I don't worry about.

III. A law concerning fruit-trees, that for the first three years after they were planted, if they should happen to be so forward as to bear in that time, yet no use should be made of the fruit, v. 23–25. It was therefore the practice of the Jews to pluck off the fruit, as soon as they perceived it knit, from their young trees, as gardeners do sometimes, because their early bearing hinders their growing. If any did come to perfection, it was not to be used in the service either of God or man; but what they bore the fourth year was to be holy to the Lord, either given to the priests, or eaten before the Lord with joy, as their second tithe was, and thenceforward it was all their own. Now, 1. Some think this taught them not to follow the custom of the heathen, who, they say, consecrated the very first products of their fruit-trees to their idols, saying that otherwise all the fruits would be blasted. 2. This law in the case of fruit-trees seems to be parallel with that in the case of animals, that no creature should be accepted as an offering till it was past eight days old, nor till that day were children to be circumcised; see ch. 22:27. God would have the first-fruits of their trees, but, because for the first three years they were as inconsiderable as a lamb or a calf under eight days old, therefore God would not have them, for it is fit he should have every thing at its best; and yet he would not allow them to be used, because his first-fruits were not as yet offered: they must therefore be accounted as uncircumcised, that is, as an animal under eight days’ old, not fit for any use. 3. We are hereby taught not to be over-hasty in catching at any comfort, but to be willing with patience to wait the time for the enjoyment of it, and particularly to acknowledge ourselves unworthy of the increase of the earth, our right to the fruits of which was forfeited by our first parents eating forbidden fruit, and we are restored to it only by the word of God and prayer, 1 Tim. 4:5 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Ti/1Ti004.html#5).

[debi b]

The thing that jumps out to me is to be careful not to mix Adonai's things with other things, and as we attempt to apply this we see how intricate that can become. It really must incorporate all of our life :)

We have all these reminders....this can really serve to cause us to think about Him :cool:

[Shimshon]

so, what are you saying Shimshon, we can't wear mixed fiber clothing? Even if its not of any wool or linen? :scratch:No Zayit, the "I suppose"'s were cliche's. Forgive me bevakasha.:)

[Beth-el girl]

The thing that jumps out to me is to be careful not to mix Adonai's things with other things, and as we attempt to apply this we see how intricate that can become. It really must incorporate all of our life :)

We have all these reminders....this can really serve to cause us to think about Him :cool:

I agree!