“Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, often referred to as the Law or the Torah. It contains the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites through Moses before they entered the Promised Land.
The Principle of Separation:Deuteronomy 22:11 addresses the prohibition of wearing garments made of mixed fibres, specifically wool and linen. This command falls under the larger principle of separation, which is emphasised throughout the book. God wanted His people to be distinct and separate from the practices of the pagan nations around them.
Symbolic Significance:The prohibition against mixing wool and linen may have had symbolic and spiritual significance rather than being solely a practical or health-related guideline. In the Bible, garments often symbolise a person’s identity and spiritual condition. By prohibiting the mixing of fabrics, God may have been teaching the Israelites the importance of maintaining purity, integrity, and loyalty in their relationship with Him.
Avoiding Syncretism:The mixing of fibres may also be seen as a metaphor for syncretism, which is the blending of different religious or cultural practices. God wanted His people to worship Him alone and not adopt the religious practices of the surrounding nations, which often involved mixing elements of idolatry and paganism with the worship of the true God.
Obedience and Faithfulness:The commandment regarding mixed fibres serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ need to obey God’s instructions and demonstrate faithfulness in even the small details of their lives. It was a tangible way for them to show their commitment to the covenant and their willingness to follow God’s commands.
Application for Christians:While the specific commandment about mixed fibres is part of the ceremonial and civil laws given to the Israelites, Christians are not bound by these laws. The New Testament teaches that believers are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by following the Old Testament law (Romans 3:28). However, the principle of separation and loyalty to God remains relevant. Christians are called to be separate from the values and practices of the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and to live lives that honour and reflect God’s character.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 22:11 emphasises the principle of separation and the importance of loyalty and obedience to God. While the specific prohibition against mixed fibres is not binding for Christians, the underlying message of maintaining purity, integrity, and faithfulness remains applicable today.
