Changes of Raiment

Changes of raiment — festive or fine garments kept in reserve — were reckoned among the treasures of wealthy households in the ancient Near East and were given as gifts or prizes on occasions of celebration or contract. Samson offered thirty changes of raiment as prizes in his riddle contest at his wedding (Judg. 14:12–13). Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan with changes of garments, giving Benjamin five times as many (Gen. 45:22). Naaman brought ten changes of raiment among his gifts to the prophet Elisha, and Gehazi secretly received two of them through his deception (2 Kgs. 5:22–23). The practice reflects the high value placed on fine clothing in a world where fabric was costly and time-consuming to produce.