Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context:Baldness, in biblical times, refers to the absence or loss of hair on the scalp. It can occur naturally due to aging or other health conditions, or it can be artificially induced as a sign of mourning, shame, or religious observance. In the cultural and religious context of the Bible, hair often symbolized strength, vitality, and honor, making baldness a topic of significance. Natural Baldness: Natural baldness is mentioned in the Bible as a common condition, particularly among aging men. It is not depicted as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor. In 2 Kings 2:23-24, the prophet Elisha is mocked by young boys for his baldness, which leads to a severe consequence for the mockers. This passage highlights the cultural sensitivity surrounding baldness and the respect due to God's prophets, regardless of their physical appearance. Artificial Baldness: Artificial baldness, or the shaving of the head, is often associated with mourning or penitence. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, shaving one's head was a common expression of grief or distress. For instance, in the book of Job, Job shaves his head as a sign of mourning after experiencing profound personal loss (Job 1:20: "Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped"). Additionally, the Nazirite vow, as described in Numbers 6, involves a period during which the individual must not cut their hair. At the end of the vow, the hair is shaved off and offered as a sacrifice, symbolizing the completion of a period of consecration to God (Numbers 6:18: "Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering"). Symbolism and Implications: Baldness, whether natural or artificial, carries symbolic weight in the biblical narrative. It can represent humility, submission to God's will, or the transience of human life. In Isaiah 15:2, the prophet describes the people of Moab shaving their heads and beards as a sign of lamentation over impending judgment (Isaiah 15:2: "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off"). Cultural and Religious Significance: In biblical times, hair was often associated with one's identity and social status. The loss of hair, whether voluntary or involuntary, could thus have profound implications for an individual's standing within the community. The Bible acknowledges the natural occurrence of baldness while also recognizing the cultural practices surrounding artificial baldness as expressions of deeper spiritual or emotional states. Conclusion: Baldness in the Bible is a multifaceted concept, encompassing natural aging processes and deliberate acts of shaving for religious or cultural reasons. It serves as a reminder of the human condition, the importance of humility, and the need for reverence toward God's appointed leaders. ATS Bible Dictionary Baldness Natural or ArtificialIt was customary among eastern nations to cut off the hair of the head, or to shave the head, as a token of mourning, on the death of a relative, Job 1:20 Jeremiah 16:6. This was forbidden to the Israelites, in consequence of its being a heathen custom, De 14:1. Natural baldness was treated with contempt, because it exposed a man to the suspicion of leprosy. The children at Bethel cried after Elisha, "Go up, thou bald head," 2 Kings 2:23. While they indicated by this epithet great contempt for him as a prophet of the Lord, they probably scoffed at the same time at the miracle of Elijah's ascension. Library The Preacher as a Patriot. Introduction. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is contextual theology? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to holy ground? | GotQuestions.org Baldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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