When did the practice of tearing one's own garments start among the Jews?
Upvote:1
Although there are examples in the Old Testament of people tearing their garments, the High Priest was forbidden by law to tear his clothes because the temple garments worn by the High Priest were holy:
The high priest, the one among his brothers who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt or tear his clothes. (Leviticus 21:10)
The tearing of clothes was a sign of distress, grief or shock (Genesis 37:29; 44:13; 2 Kings 18:37-19:1). The events described in the book of Job appear to fit the second millennium B.C.
The New Testament situation, where Annas, the son-in-law of Caiaiphs (the High Priest) rent his robes in outrage at Jesus’ acknowledgement to be the Christ, the Blessed, and the Son of Man, was taken as blasphemy. However, he wasn't the High Priest.
The tearing of garments, of wearing sackcloth and ashes, is documented in the Old Testament and was a sign of grief.
Upvote:3
Genesis 37:29 (NIV):
29 When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes.
This is the earliest mention I can find among the descendants of Abraham. Reuben, son of Jacob was distraught that his nine brothers had sold their other brother Joseph into slavery.
In Job, we see both Job and his three friends doing this:
Job 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.
Job 2:12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.
In this case, it was to display mourning and sympathy.
There is little agreement over when Job lived, but my best understanding is that he lived between Abraham and Moses. Thus this practice would seem to be common in the Ancient Near East, not just among Jews, but also among the neighboring peoples.
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