In biblical terminology, "cauls" refers to ornamental headbands or hairnets worn by women, often as a symbol of beauty or status. The term is mentioned in the context of ancient Israelite culture and appears in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to cauls is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet Isaiah addresses the women of Jerusalem, warning them of impending judgment due to their pride and vanity. Isaiah 3:18-19 states: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets and headbands and crescents, the pendants, bracelets, and veils, the headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms."

In this passage, "headbands" is often interpreted as "cauls" in older translations, indicating a type of decorative net or cap worn on the head. The context suggests that these items were part of an array of luxurious adornments that the women of Jerusalem used to enhance their appearance, reflecting a focus on external beauty rather than inner spiritual qualities.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, personal adornment was a common practice among women, often signifying wealth, social status, or marital status. Cauls, as part of this adornment, would have been intricately designed, possibly made from fine materials such as gold or silver threads, and adorned with jewels or beads.

The use of cauls and other adornments is not condemned in itself; rather, the biblical critique focuses on the attitudes and priorities they represent. The prophet Isaiah's message underscores a call to humility and repentance, urging the people to turn away from superficial displays of wealth and to seek a deeper relationship with God.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of cauls in Isaiah serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God values the heart over outward appearances. The emphasis on inner beauty and righteousness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 16:7 , where the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

The reference to cauls in Isaiah thus becomes a metaphor for the broader spiritual condition of the people, highlighting the need for genuine faith and devotion rather than reliance on external symbols of status or beauty.

Application for Today:

In contemporary Christian thought, the lesson drawn from the mention of cauls is the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and character over material possessions or physical appearance. Believers are encouraged to cultivate virtues such as humility, modesty, and a focus on the inner life, aligning with the biblical call to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12).

The historical and cultural context of cauls provides insight into the values and practices of ancient Israel, while the theological implications continue to resonate with Christians today, challenging them to reflect on their own priorities and the condition of their hearts before God.In Isaiah 3:18 this word (Hebrews shebisim), in the marg. "networks," denotes network caps to contain the hair, worn by females. Others explain it as meaning "wreaths worn round the forehead, reaching from one ear to the other."

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet,
and their cauls and their round tires like the moon, the chains and the ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... and commanding the contrary; as Isaiah 3.how severely doth the prophet reprove the
daughters of Israel for their tinkling ornaments, their cauls, and their ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Cauls (1 Occurrence)
... Others explain it as meaning "wreaths worn round the forehead, reaching from one
ear to the other.". Multi-Version Concordance Cauls (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/cauls.htm - 6k

Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:4 Exodus 32:2); noserings (Genesis 24:47 Ezekiel 16:12); anklets or
ankle-chains (Isaiah 3:16, 18); head-bands or fillets or cauls (referred to in ...
/o/ornament.htm - 17k

Fillets (11 Occurrences)
... fillets. (DBY). Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of
their anklets, and the cauls, and the crescents; (See JPS). ...
/f/fillets.htm - 10k

Tinkling (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments
about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon ...
/t/tinkling.htm - 8k

Tires (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments
about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon ...
/t/tires.htm - 8k

Bravery (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments
about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon ...
/b/bravery.htm - 7k

Caulking (1 Occurrence)

/c/caulking.htm - 6k

Crescents (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV DBY RSV). Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty
of their anklets, and the cauls, and the crescents; (ASV DBY JPS RSV). ...
/c/crescents.htm - 7k

Headdress (1 Occurrence)
... The Hebrew shebisim (Isaiah 3:18), in the Authorized Version rendered "cauls," and
marg. "networks," denotes probably a kind of netted head-dress. ...
/h/headdress.htm - 8k

Head-dress (22 Occurrences)
... The Hebrew shebisim (Isaiah 3:18), in the Authorized Version rendered "cauls," and
marg. "networks," denotes probably a kind of netted head-dress. ...
/h/head-dress.htm - 14k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus