Verse 24
24. Fine linen סדין , ( sadhin,) fine undergarments; those worn next the body shirts. In the East these are frequently made of very fine and elegant texture transparent gauze and worn by persons of rank, especially ladies.
Girdles Esteemed a necessity among the Orientals, where the flowing outer robe is worn. (See on Proverbs 31:17.) They are also made very ornamental, of costly materials and workmanship. Curiously wrought or embroidered girdles are an essential part of Eastern finery, both of men and women. The kings of Persia sometimes gave cities and provinces to their wives for the expense of their girdles. This was probably like our institution of “pin-money.” The girdle was used as a purse. Our Saviour (Mark 10:9) forbids the apostles to carry money with them in their purses or girdles. So Horace says, ( Epis., lib. Proverbs 2:1,) “He who has lost his girdle (that is, his purse) is ready for any thing.”
The merchant Literally, the Canaanite. The Canaanites, or Phoenicians, were the great merchants of antiquity, and hence the name was applied to merchants in general, like כשׂדים , ( kasdim,) Chaldeans, for astrologers. Some, however, are of opinion that the name Canaan strictly means a merchant or trader, and that the Canaanites were so denominated from their prominent occupation. Compare Isaiah 23:8; Ezekiel 17:6.
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