Page:The Story of Joseph and His Brethren.djvu/13

10 pieces. Yet it is to be assumed that these pieces were of different colours; for it would be difficult to suppose why a coat or garment such as was then worn should be made of many different pieces, unless it was for the purpose of introducing into it a variety of beautiful or attractive colours. But whatever was the precise character of the garment, we know from other parts of the Bible that such garments were worn as a mark of distinction. From the Second Book of Samuel we learn that such garments were worn by the young or virgin daughters of kings. It is said (chap. xiii. 18) that David's daughter, Tamar, "had a garment of divers colours upon her; for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled." This kind of garment was therefore a mark of dignity, and it would seem a badge of youth, and perhaps of purity. These are the only two instances in the Bible of such garments being mentioned, and they both seem to bespeak a father's fondness, and a child's youth and innocence. The coat of many colours, therefore which Israel made for his son Joseph, he