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47. Time for Mourning

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible

By: James M. Freeman

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Genesis 27:41⁴¹And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. (Genesis 27:41). The days of mourning for my father are at hand.

This alludes to the formal ceremonious mourning for the dead, which usually lasted seven days (Gen. 50:10¹⁰And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days. (Genesis 50:10); 1 Sam. 31:13¹³And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. (1 Samuel 31:13); Job 2:13¹³So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. (Job 2:13)), though it was sometimes continued for a longer period.

See note on John 11:17¹⁷Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. (John 11:17) (#808).

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 30. Bride Chosen by Parents

• 32. Pitchers

• 33. How Wells Are Used

• 34. Troughs

• 35. Nose Jewels Bracelets

• 36. Bridal Presents

• 37. The Nurse

• 38. Uplifted Eyes Mark of Respect

• 39. The Veil

• 40. Woman's Tent Marriage

• 41. Birthright

• 42. Pottage

• 43. Customs Concerning Wells

• 44. Strife at Wells

• 45. Covenant Feasts

• 46. Seasoned Food

• 47. Time for Mourning

• 48. Sleeping Out of Doors

• 49. Monumental Stones

• 50. Well Stones

• 51. Wells Opened

• 52. Names From Animals

• 53. Men Kissing

• 54. Weak Eyes

• 55. Relatives Preferred

• 56. Brides Bought

• 57. Marriage Feast

• 58. The Elder First

• 59. Significant Names