A Glorious Robe
In biblical times, everyone wore some sort of rugged cloak to protect them from the elements. In the original Hebrew of the Bible, this is called a me’il (מְעִיל). However, certain eminent people wore a special cloak called an aderet (אַדֶּרֶת), which is translated as “mantle.” Aderet comes from the Hebrew root ADR (אדר), meaning “glorious” - an indication of this unique robe’s elevated status.
The Authority of Elijah
The most famous mantle in the Bible is that worn by the prophet Elijah. It was symbolic of his status as a prophet of the Lord. When Elijah selected his successor, Elisha, he wrapped him in his mantle (1 Kings 19), and when taken up to heaven by God, only Elijah's mantle was left behind. Elisha stooped down and “took up the mantle” (2 Kings 2:13), thereby assuming Elijah’s former position of leadership.
Take Up the Mantle
Jesus of Nazareth carried on this tradition, but his mantle was more than a symbol of authority; it was imbued with spiritual power (Mark 6:56). According to the Gospels, the sick were healed merely by touching its fringe! Jesus could not proffer the mantle to his disciples, however. Instead, it was violently ripped into four pieces by Roman soldiers (John 19:23). Enroll in our live, online Biblical Hebrew course and “take up the mantle” by learning the original language of the Bible.