[Greek] σπαργανόω (sparganoō), [Old English] swaebian, [Latin] fasciis involvere: to wrap in swaddling clothing, to wrap with strips, to swathe, to strap; Lk.2:7, Lk.2:12
Migdel Eder (The Tower of the Flock): where it is believed that the angel gave a sign to the shepherds
Background Information:
Migdel Eder: Also known as the “Tower of the Flock”, this place was located about 1 mile from Bethlehem. This two-story tower was where the shepherds kept watch over the sheep which were prepared for sacrifices in the Temple. This sheepfold is believed to be the site where the angel proclaimed to the shepherds of the news of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Priests or shepherd-priests from the Temple would assist the shepherds in the birthing of the sacrificial lambs so that they would be unblemished for sacrifice. As soon as a lamb was born, the priests would wrap it with strips of cloth made from old priestly undergarments. This was done to keep the lambs from getting blemished. The priests would place the swaddled lamb in a manger to make sure it would not get trampled on.
Old Testament:
Swaddling clothes: This involves the wrapping of infants in sheets or strips of clothing. Rags are never used for this purpose. This serves to secure the infant. Swaddling clothes generally were not used for burial purposes. After the infant’s birth, the baby needs to be handled properly. The infant’s navel must be cut. The infant must be washed in water. The infant must be rubbed with salt. Strips of cloth are wrapped around the infant, simulating the tightness and warmth of the womb. A securely swaddled infant also provides the freedom for the parents to carry out their household chores. In ancient times it was common for infants (in poor families) to run about in disheveled clothing or even naked.
“In swaddling clothes and with constant care I was nurtured. For no king has any different origin or birth; one is the entry into life for all, and in one same way they leave it. Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me.” Wis. 7:4-7
Solomon is wrapped in swaddling clothing at his birth. Solomon, like all other ordinary infants, was cared for and nurtured. This scripture passage connects Solomon with Jesus. Even though he is the greatest of all kings on earth, Solomon was born like all others. Jesus’ humble birth will be a sign that He is the true Son of David. Like Solomon (before he fell away from God), He was not about power, might or glory.
“As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut; you were not washed with water or anointed; you were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in swaddling clothes.” Ezek.16:4
In this scripture passage, Jerusalem is seen as an unwanted child in need of constant care, tender regard, nurturing, and attention. Jerusalem needed to be “swaddled.” Like an infant left out in the field and rejected, Jerusalem was not being “raised” properly.
“And you, O tower of the flock, hill of daughter Zion! To you it shall come: the former dominion shall be restored, the reign of daughter Jerusalem.” Micah 4:8
This is an announcement of salvation proclaiming that the Lord will restore the lame and afflicted people of God as a nation.
New Testament:
“And she gave birth to her Firstborn Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.” Lk.2:7
Jesus is given the rights and privileges of the firstborn son. This may be an allusion to Solomon, who was wrapped in swaddling clothes like any other infant.
“And this will be a sign for you: you will find and infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Lk.2:12
This was the angel’s message to the shepherds at the sheephold at Migdel Eder (“Tower of the Flock”). Seeing a lamb in swaddling clothes was not very noteworthy to a shepherd. Also, the shepherds worked in an area where swaddled lambs were placed in a manger in preparation for being sacrificed in the Temple. However, seeing a swaddled infant lying in a manger would be a very significant (unusual) sign. Most likely, they would sense that this infant would be a sacrificial victim.
Fasciis involvere: This is the fancy Latin equivalent meaning to swathe. Interestingly, this earlier meanings of the Latin verb involvere (to involve) means to wrap us, cover, surround completely, and envelop.
Conclusion:
Swaddling, swaddle, swath, swathe, swatch, involve
Swath (noun): A broad strip or area of something
Swathe (verb): To wrap up closely or fully
Swatch (noun): A sample of cloth or other material
To be honest, it is not everyday that we use this verb ‘swaddle’. It was interesting to discover that only strips were to be used to wrap infants. I think it is significant to note that Solomon is scripturally related to Jesus in terms of swaddling. Like many people, I always took it for granted that the shepherds saw and understood the sign given by the angel. Yet, I never really knew how and why. Learning about Migdel Eder (The Tower of the Flock) helped me to better understand the shepherds’ actions and motivations upon hearing of this sign. I was also surprised to learn about the many uses for swaddling. For the most part, shepherds were often looked down upon by society as second class people. Although priests generally despised the shepherds, the shepherds provided the needed lambs for the Temple.
That about wraps it up.
Merry Christmas– a child in swaddling clothes will be born!