The Hebrew word karbêl, represented by H3736, is a term meaning to gird or clothe. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole usage describes being clothed in a specific type of ceremonial garment during an event of great national and religious importance.
The single appearance of H3736 is found in 1 Chronicles 15:27, during a pivotal moment of worship for Israel. The verse details the attire worn as King David, the Levites, and the singers brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. In this context, David is described as being clothed with a robe of fine linen, marking the solemnity and celebratory nature of the occasion. The verse also notes that David had upon him an ephod of linen.
Several related words from 1 Chronicles 15:27 illuminate the significance of the attire:
- H4598 mᵉʻîyl (robe): As an upper and outer garment, this robe is often associated with figures of high station. It is listed among the holy garments for Aaron and his sons Exodus 28:4 and is also worn by royalty, as when David cut off the skirt of Saul's robe 1 Samuel 24:4.
- H948 bûwts (fine linen): This term, meaning fine (white) linen, denotes a material of high value, used for royal apparel Esther 8:15 and for the sacred vail in the temple 2 Chronicles 3:14.
- H646 ʼêphôwd (ephod): This term refers to a girdle and specifically the high-priest's shoulder-piece. While central to priestly attire Exodus 28:4, David is also described as being girded with a linen ephod when he brought up the ark 2 Samuel 6:14.
- H906 bad (linen): Described as a linen garment, this material is consistently linked to holy purposes. It is specified for the holy garments worn by the high priest on the Day of Atonement Leviticus 16:4 and is also the clothing of the heavenly man in Daniel's visions Daniel 10:5.
The single use of H3736 contributes to a rich theological picture centered on worship and divine presence:
- Reverence in Worship: Being clothed in this manner for the procession of the Ark underscores the reverence required when approaching God. The detailed description of the garments for David, the Levites, and the singers in 1 Chronicles 15:27 highlights the solemnity of the event.
- Kingly Priesthood: David, the king, is clothed in a robe of fine linen and also wears a linen ephod 1 Chronicles 15:27. The ephod H646 is a priestly garment Exodus 28:4, and David's wearing of it signifies his unique role as a king who leads his people in worship before the Lord.
- Garments of Holiness: The materials themselves, fine linen H948 and linen H906, are consistently associated with sacred duties and purity. The high priest's holy garments were to be made of linen Leviticus 16:4, signifying the holiness necessary to minister before God.
In summary, H3736 karbêl is a specific term for being clothed that, in its only biblical use, is packed with ceremonial and theological importance. Its appearance in 1 Chronicles 15:27 marks a high point in Israel's worship, where the king himself is dressed in garments signifying purity, royalty, and a priestly function. The word and its context illustrate how attire in scripture can serve as a powerful symbol of one's role and reverence before God.
TRV