Topical Bible: Priest: The Time of Moses: Beard and Hair of

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In the time of Moses, the role of the priest was central to the religious and communal life of the Israelites. The priests, primarily from the tribe of Levi and specifically the descendants of Aaron, were set apart for sacred duties. Their appearance, including the grooming of their beard and hair, held significant religious and cultural importance.

Biblical Regulations and Symbolism

The regulations concerning the appearance of priests are rooted in the broader Levitical laws given to the Israelites. In Leviticus 21:5, the Berean Standard Bible states, "They must not make bald patches on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies." This directive was part of a larger set of holiness codes that distinguished the Israelites from surrounding nations and emphasized their consecration to God.

The prohibition against shaving the edges of the beard or making bald patches was likely intended to prevent the Israelites from adopting pagan mourning practices or idolatrous customs prevalent among neighboring peoples. The beard, in particular, was a symbol of maturity, dignity, and respect. For priests, maintaining a full beard was a sign of their dedication to God and their distinct role as mediators between God and the people.

Cultural Context and Practices

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the beard was often associated with wisdom and honor. For the Israelites, the beard was not merely a cultural marker but also a sign of obedience to God's commandments. The priests, as leaders and exemplars of holiness, were expected to adhere strictly to these regulations.

The grooming of hair and beard was also a practical matter. The priests were involved in various rituals and sacrifices, which required a level of cleanliness and orderliness. The maintenance of their hair and beard was part of their overall presentation as holy servants of God.

Priestly Identity and Holiness

The distinct appearance of the priests, including their unshaven beards, served as a constant reminder of their unique calling. As representatives of the people before God, their outward appearance was a reflection of their inner consecration. The regulations concerning their hair and beard were not merely about physical appearance but were deeply tied to their identity and mission.

The priestly laws, including those about hair and beard, underscored the broader theme of holiness that permeates the Mosaic Law. The priests were to be set apart, embodying the holiness of God in their service and conduct. Their adherence to these laws was a testament to their commitment to uphold the sanctity of their office and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

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Ezekiel 44:20
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
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Library

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... Nathanael dissuaded them, saying: "Come in an hour's time to the forecourt of the
high priest. ... and the people cheered them, crying aloud: "We have Moses! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... and influence of the Pharisees at the time of Christ. ... crown of David with the
high-priest's mitre ... which were only verbally communicated to Moses, in explanation ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... many of the posterity of Jeshua the high priest, and of ... that it continued in that
state for the time to come. ... desired of Esdras that the laws of Moses might be ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Treatise iii. On the Lapsed.
... And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me ... of the sacrifice
celebrated by the priest; he could ... your heart, and at the same time with fasting ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iii on the lapsed.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... blamed Him for transgressing the law of Moses by breaking ... or of the seven days wherein
all time is comprised ... In particular, the high-priest was anointed on the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... Noah and the ark, Daniel and the lions, Moses striking the rock ... hand has sketched
the figure of a priest, dressed in ... of the Appian Way a second time, during the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... If God is so kind, why should his priest wish to ... it carefully observed, but at the
same time corrupted by ... is not different from that which Moses observed when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
... with that of presenting himself to the priest and conforming ... not wish to have the
Law of Moses broken - and ... were considered as walled since the time of Joshua ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv second journey through.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... His elder brother, Charles, became a priest at Noyon, and died a ... And yet he lived
all the time in the utmost ... Like Moses, he was buried out of the reach of ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... 'Look,' said God to Moses, their first ... of God are not sons; and therefore when time
shall come ... be builded upon Christ, as he is our priest, sacrifice, prophet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm