In the context of the Bible, the term "scalp" is not frequently mentioned, but it holds significance in the cultural and historical practices of ancient Near Eastern peoples, including the Israelites. The concept of scalping, or the removal of the scalp from an enemy, is often associated with warfare and victory over adversaries.

Biblical References:

One of the primary references to scalps in the Bible is found in Psalm 68:21, which states, "Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in their guilty ways." . This verse metaphorically speaks of God's judgment upon His enemies, using the imagery of crushing the "hairy crowns," which can be understood as a reference to the scalps of those who oppose Him. The imagery underscores the totality of God's victory over His foes.

Cultural Context:

In ancient times, the removal of an enemy's scalp was a practice that symbolized triumph and dominance. It served as a tangible proof of victory and was often used to intimidate other potential adversaries. While the Bible does not explicitly describe the Israelites engaging in scalping, the metaphorical use of the term in Psalms suggests an understanding of the practice within the broader cultural milieu of the time.

Theological Implications:

The use of scalp imagery in the Bible highlights the theme of divine justice and retribution. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority over all nations and peoples. The depiction of God as a warrior who defeats His enemies is consistent with other biblical passages that portray God as a protector and deliverer of His people.

Symbolism:

The scalp, as a symbol of victory, also points to the broader biblical theme of the triumph of good over evil. In the spiritual sense, the defeat of God's enemies can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. The imagery of crushing the heads of enemies resonates with the promise of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Conclusion:

While the specific act of scalping is not a central theme in the Bible, its metaphorical use in Scripture serves to illustrate the power and justice of God. The imagery of scalps and crushed heads underscores the certainty of divine victory and the assurance of God's protection for those who follow Him.6936. qodqod -- head, crown of the head
... head, crown of the head NASB Word Usage crown (1), crown of his head (2), crown
of the head (3), crown of your head (2), pate (1), scalp (1), scalps (1). ...
/hebrew/6936.htm - 6k

A Mighty Saviour
... He has just been eating a diabolical meal of human flesh; he is a cannibal; at his
belt are slung the scalps of men whom he has murdered, and in whose blood he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a mighty saviour.htm

The Invitation: to Tom Hughes
... Any goose sees 'glory' In their 'snowy scalps.' Leave such signs and wonders
For the dullard brain, As aesthetic brandy, Opium and cayenne. ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the invitation to tom hughes.htm

The American Experiments, 1734-1762.
... When a letter came to Zeisberger, requesting him to arouse his converts, to put
himself at their head, and to bring the scalps of all the rebels he could ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the american experiments.htm

Scalps (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scalps (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:17 therefore
the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women ...
/s/scalps.htm - 7k

Scalp (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women
of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." (Root in WEB NAS NIV). ...
/s/scalp.htm - 7k

Bald (12 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women
of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." (WEB DBY NIV). ...
/b/bald.htm - 11k

Sores (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women
of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." (WEB NIV). ...
/s/sores.htm - 10k

Scythians
... 75); they drank the blood of the first enemy killed in battle, and made napkins
of the scalps and drinking bowls of the skulls of the slain (ibid. 64-65). ...
/s/scythians.htm - 8k

Scaly (1 Occurrence)

/s/scaly.htm - 7k

Writing (194 Occurrences)
... modern hunting-lodge. The bounty on wolves' scalps and the expression
"so many head of cattle" are similar survivals. In war, men ...
/w/writing.htm - 70k

Zion (169 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women
of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY ...
/z/zion.htm - 49k

Crown (94 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women
of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT ...
/c/crown.htm - 58k

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