JUNE 18, Genesis 37:1-4

In Biblical times, there were no fashion designers, fashion shows or fashion magazines. Everyone had a basic wardrobe which was made up of a loin cloth, or small waist slip with an undergarment, a tunic with a girdle and some form of head wear. These varied only in colour, material and style. Clothes were expensive because they were sewn by hand. There was no mass production to make it cheaper. So, the poor often own not much more clothes beside the one they were wearing. The loin cloth was worn round the lower part of the body. When a man had to do hard work, he would only wear a loin cloth (John 21:7) so that he can move about easily. Over the loin cloth would be a tunic made of a single piece of cloth, which would be knee-length for the men, and ankle-length for the women.

Jacob had twelve sons and his favourite son was Joseph. He loved him so much that he gave him a coat of many colours. In those days – that would be very special! The other sons did not have this coat and they were jealous. The special coat showed Jacob’s favouritism. It also caused the brothers to be jealous of Joseph so much so that they sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt.

This true story tells us that the clothes that we wear can affect how others look at us and feel about us. Nowadays, there are so many styles created to suit our taste and occasion. But, let us be neat and modest in our dressing to help us be good witnesses for Jesus. 

This man on the right is wearing a tunic and a girdle or belt. To see what Joseph’s coat looked like, draw some coloured stripes and sleeves onto the tunic and colour his belt.

Thought: The clothes I wear will reflect who I am.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to dress modestly and appropriately so that I can be a good witness for Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.