Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Dan Wagner <Dan.Wagner AT datastream.net>]

Does anyone know of ANE data on the origin of tearing of clothes (e.g. in
lament, repentance, etc.)? It is found in Biblical data from Reuben (Gen.
37:29) and Jacob (Gen. 37:34) to Ezra (9:3) and Mordecai (Est. 4:1). I'm
curious about the origin of the custom. Seems to indicate outwardly/publicly
the inward abandonment of concern for anything except the anxiety/crisis of
the moment.

Ref. list: Gen. 37:29, Gen. 37:34, Gen. 44:13, Num. 14:6, Jos. 7:6, Jdg.
11:35, 2 Sam. 1:11, 2 Sam. 13:19, 2 Sam. 13:31, 1 Ki. 21:27, 2 Ki. 2:12, 2
Ki. 5:7, 2 Ki. 6:30, 2 Ki. 11:14, 2 Ki. 19:1, 2 Ki. 22:11, 2 Chr. 23:13, 2
Chr. 34:19, 2 Chr. 34:27, Ezr. 9:3, Est. 4:1, Isa. 37:1

Thanks,
Dan Wagner