Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the beard holds cultural and symbolic significance, often representing maturity, dignity, and honor. The figure of David, the second king of Israel, provides several instances where the beard is mentioned, reflecting the customs and values of the time.David's Beard in Context David, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his leadership, poetic contributions, and deep relationship with God. The beard, as part of his appearance, is indirectly referenced in the context of cultural practices and personal dignity. 1. The Incident with Hanun One of the most notable references to beards in the life of David occurs in the account of his interaction with Hanun, the king of the Ammonites. After the death of Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, David sent envoys to express his condolences to Hanun, Nahash's son. However, Hanun's advisors suspected the envoys of espionage, leading to a humiliating act against them. As recorded in 2 Samuel 10:4-5 : "So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king told them, 'Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.'" This incident highlights the cultural importance of the beard as a symbol of honor and respect. The shaving of half the beard was a deliberate act of disgrace, prompting David to instruct his men to remain in Jericho until their beards were restored, thus restoring their dignity. 2. Symbol of Maturity and Authority While the Bible does not explicitly describe David's own beard, it is reasonable to infer that, as a man of his time and status, David would have worn a beard. In ancient Israelite culture, a beard was often associated with maturity and authority, qualities that David exemplified as a leader chosen by God. His anointing by Samuel and subsequent rise to kingship would have been accompanied by the cultural markers of manhood, including the beard. 3. David's Respect for Cultural Norms David's response to the humiliation of his envoys demonstrates his respect for cultural norms and the significance of the beard. By allowing his men to stay in Jericho until their beards grew back, David acknowledged the importance of personal dignity and the restoration of honor. This action reflects his understanding of the social and religious values of his time. 4. The Beard in David's Psalms While the Psalms attributed to David do not specifically mention beards, they often reflect themes of honor, dignity, and the restoration of one's soul. The cultural context of the beard as a symbol of these qualities can be seen as underlying the poetic expressions of integrity and righteousness found throughout the Psalms. In summary, the references to beards in the life of David, though indirect, underscore the cultural and symbolic importance of the beard in ancient Israel. David's actions and the biblical narrative surrounding the incident with Hanun highlight the beard as a marker of honor and respect, integral to the identity and dignity of a man in biblical times. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 21:13And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 5:1 Library Among the Orderlies at the Castle was one David... How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ... Rash Decisions. Closed Gates The victory of Unarmed Faith Why they who Come Forth from the Laver of Baptism are Anointed on ... God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart. The Day was Near Its End. ... Psalm XXXIV. Letter B Resources Is the account of Jesus taken from the story of Serapis Christus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about shaving? | GotQuestions.org Does the name “Jesus” actually mean “Hail, Zeus”? | GotQuestions.org Beard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beard: Beards of David's Ambassadors Half Shaven by the King of the Amorites Beard: Idolatrous Practice of Marring, Forbidden Beard: Lepers Required to Shave The Beard in Affliction was Clipped The Beard in Affliction was Neglected and Untrimmed The Beard in Affliction was Shorn The Beard in Affliction: Sometimes Plucked Out The Beard of the Healed Leper to be Shaved The Beard: Corners of, not to be Marred for the Dead The Beard: Dribbling On, a Sign of Derangement The Beard: Laying Hold of, a Token of Respect The Beard: Plucking of, a Sign of Scorn The Beard: Shaving of, a Great Offense The Beard: Shaving, Illustrative of Severe Judgments The Beard: The Jews Never Appeared Without The Beard: Worn Even by the Priests Related Terms |
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