Bible Discussion Thread

Hello Mary, I believe rent means that the garment is torn apart, just like the curtain in the Holy of Holies in the temple was rent from top to bottom when Jesus breathed His last breath on the cross. When something very egregious occurs and is so shocking, grievous, or blasphemous, the person would rend their clothing as an expression of their inward feelings. As to the curtain in the Holy of Holies, it being rent from top to bottom shows that it was done by God and that God's wrath for His offense over our sin was satisfied and now man is reconciled to Him through the body and blood of Christ shed unto death on the cross. Read Hebrews chapter 9.

So rent or rend is an outward action of tearing a garment in two in reaction to a very serious grievous action of another or as an act of repentance as in Joel that says "rend your heart, not your garments."

Joel 2:12-13

"Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning," So, rend your heart, not your garments; Return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; He will relent from doing harm."

So well-said, Gigi....

What a wonderful grace to have hearts that are easily rent before the One Who can wash them, and make them new! :)

Blessings, dear sister!