MANTLE

MANTLE (1.) Hebrews ‘addereth, a large over-garment. This word is used of Elijah’s mantle (1 Kings 19=>13, 19; 2 Kings 2=>8, 13, etc.), which was probably a sheepskin. It appears to have been his only garment, a strip of skin or leather binding it to his loins. ’Addereth twice occurs with the epithet “hairy” (Genesis 25=>25; Zechariah 13=>4, R.V.). It is the word denoting the “goodly Babylonish garment” which Achan coveted (Joshua 7=>21). (2.) Hebrews me’il, frequently applied to the “robe of the ephod” (Exodus 28=>4, 31; Leviticus 8=>7), which was a splendid under tunic wholly of blue, reaching to below the knees. It was woven without seam, and was put on by being drawn over the head. It was worn not only by priests but by kings (1 Samuel 24=>4), prophets (15=>27), and rich men (Job 1=>20; 2=>12). This was the “little coat” which Samuel’s mother brought to him from year to year to Shiloh (1 Samuel 2=>19), a miniature of the official priestly robe. (3.) Semikah, “a rug,” the garment which Jael threw as a covering over Sisera (Judges 4=>18). The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. (4.) Maataphoth, plural, only in Isaiah 3=>22, denoting a large exterior tunic worn by females. (See DRESS.)