Topical Bible: Head: (Lifted Up) of Pride

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the concept of the "head being lifted up" often symbolizes pride, arrogance, or self-exaltation. This metaphorical expression is used to describe individuals or nations that elevate themselves above others, often in defiance of God or in a display of self-sufficiency and hubris.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Symbolism of the Head:
The "head" in biblical terms frequently represents leadership, authority, or the seat of honor. When the head is "lifted up," it can denote a position of prominence or an attitude of superiority. This imagery is used both positively and negatively throughout the Scriptures.

2. Pride and Arrogance:
The lifting up of the head in pride is often condemned in the Bible. It is associated with a heart that is haughty and a spirit that is defiant against God. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the perilous nature of pride, suggesting that those who elevate themselves will ultimately face downfall.

3. Examples in Scripture:
· Nebuchadnezzar: In the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar's pride is vividly illustrated. He boasts about his achievements and the grandeur of Babylon, only to be humbled by God. Daniel 4:30-31 recounts his words, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His subsequent humbling serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride.
· Pharaoh: The Pharaoh of Egypt, during the time of Moses, exemplifies a head lifted in pride. His refusal to acknowledge the God of Israel and his persistent hardening of heart led to the plagues and the eventual liberation of the Israelites. Exodus 5:2 records Pharaoh's defiant words, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go."

4. Divine Opposition to Pride:
The Bible consistently teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This principle underscores the biblical view that pride is antithetical to a life of faith and submission to God.

5. Redemption and Humility:
While the lifting up of the head in pride is condemned, the Bible also speaks of a positive lifting up of the head, associated with redemption and divine favor. Psalm 3:3 declares, "But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head." Here, the lifting of the head signifies restoration, honor, and the reversal of shame.

Conclusion:

The "head lifted up" in pride serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for the dangers of arrogance and self-exaltation. It is a reminder of the need for humility and the recognition of God's sovereignty. The biblical narrative consistently warns against pride, illustrating through various accounts the inevitable downfall that follows those who elevate themselves above others and defy divine authority. In contrast, the Scriptures celebrate humility and the lifting up of the head by God as a sign of His grace and favor.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 83:2
For, see, your enemies make a tumult: and they that hate you have lifted up the head.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Wary Walking.
... It is a narrow way remember, and if we walk with our heads lifted up by pride, we
shall ... could not get through these gates unless he bent his head, and bowed ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lv wary walking.htm

Letter Lii to Another Holy virgin.
... Your head was clothed, indeed, with a veil, but it was lifted up with pride, and
though you were under the symbol of modesty, your speech sounded far from ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter lii to another holy.htm

Pride and Humility
... Against pride prophets have lifted up their voices, evangelists have ... walks one who,
lifting up his head on high as ... pride should fall down if pride will go up. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... Against pride, prophets have lifted up their voices, evangelists have spoken ... walks
one who, lifting up his head on high ... that pride should down if pride will up. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
... again, But let not the oil of the sinner lard my head (Psalm 140 ... of Him who in His
own person peculiarly opposes the vice of pride is lifted up for vengeance ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xviii to john bishop.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... even to that point, that they shall have that head, which "is ... like unto a wheel,
because a wheel is lifted up on the ... "Like as the fire that burneth up the wood ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

John i. 11
... Romans 10:12; Romans 3:22-24.) And on this head he treats ... as that (wicked) one, hear
Paul declare; "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ix john i 11.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... ways of the Lord.' This king was lifted to it ... Jehoshaphat had to destroy first, in
order to build up. ... worship of Jehovah; and the five 'princes' head the list ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... Doubtless it opens a sad prospect to those who are lifted up with pride ... Ere long,
the heel of the Almighty shall be lifted higher than thy haughty head. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

Letter Lxix. To Oceanus.
... before me and the once slain viper lifts up its shattered head, destroying not ... of
the church of God?) Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxix to oceanus.htm