472. White Garments

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
In the warm countries of the East white clothing is more frequently and generally worn than with us. This allusion to white garments is a beautiful figurative exhortation to perpetual purity of character, and one that would be readily appreciated by the Oriental mind. “May God blacken his face” is a common imprecation in the East. Mohammed is often called “He of the white face.” In the Bible there are a number of references to white garments as typical of purity. In Daniel 7:99I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. (Daniel 7:9), the Deity is represented as clad in a “garment white as snow.” When Jesus was transfigured “his raiment was white as the light” (Matt. 17:22And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:2)). The angels appeared in white robes when the disciples visited the tomb of their risen Lord (Matt. 28:33His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: (Matthew 28:3); Mark 16:55And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. (Mark 16:5); Luke 24:44And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: (Luke 24:4); John 20:1212And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (John 20:12)), and also when he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:1010And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (Acts 1:10)). The redeemed are to be clothed in white (Rev. 7:1313And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? (Revelation 7:13); Rev. 19:1414And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14)).