Topical Bible: Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments

◄ Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the imagery of a bald head often symbolizes mourning, shame, or the imposition of divine judgment. The act of shaving one's head or having it made bald is frequently associated with expressions of deep sorrow or the acknowledgment of severe punishment. This symbolism is rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs and is reflected in various passages throughout the Bible.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

1. Mourning and Lamentation: In several instances, the act of shaving the head is a sign of mourning. For example, in the book of Job, Job shaves his head as a response to his immense personal loss and suffering (Job 1:20). This act signifies his deep grief and submission to God's will.

2. Shame and Humiliation: A bald head can also represent shame or disgrace. In Isaiah 3:24, the prophet describes a time of judgment upon the daughters of Zion, where instead of well-set hair, there will be baldness, symbolizing their humiliation and the stripping away of their pride.

3. Divine Judgment: The imagery of a bald head is sometimes directly linked to divine judgment. In Isaiah 15:2, the people of Moab are described as going to their high places to weep, with every head shaved and every beard cut off, indicating a time of national calamity and divine retribution.

4. Prophetic Symbolism: The prophets often used vivid imagery to convey messages of impending judgment. In Ezekiel 7:18, the people are described as girded with sackcloth and having baldness on every head, symbolizing the terror and despair that accompany God's judgment.

Key Biblical References

· Isaiah 3:24 : "Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty."

· Isaiah 15:2 : "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off."

· Ezekiel 7:18 : "They will put on sackcloth, and horror will cover them. Shame will be on every face and baldness on every head."

Theological Implications

The motif of a bald head as a symbol of heavy judgments serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the seriousness of divine retribution. It underscores the themes of repentance and humility before God. The physical act of shaving the head or the imposition of baldness reflects an inner state of contrition and acknowledgment of one's vulnerability before the divine.

In conclusion, the imagery of a bald head in the context of heavy judgments is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative. It conveys themes of mourning, shame, and divine retribution, urging the faithful to reflect on their relationship with God and the importance of repentance and humility.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 3:24
And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 15:2
He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 22:12
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 1:16
Make you bald, and poll you for your delicate children; enlarge your baldness as the eagle; for they are gone into captivity from you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Tears of the Penitent.
... close up to his eyes; and so the bald facts are ... like the serpent locks that coil
and twist round a Gorgon head. ... and even the rough soldier whom he made his tool ...
/.../maclaren/the life of david/xiii the tears of the penitent.htm

The Poet.
... For all these Thou hast made. ... They are never bald or uncouth, though in translation
they may sometimes ... O that my head were waters, Mine eyes a fountain of tears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture ii the poet.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... together, and took their places each at the head of his ... to whom were added a body
of charioteers made up of ... the bow, the lance, and a large and heavy sword of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the world, and at that time the head of all ... the first earthquake a great slaughter
was made, and that ... follows, that she must have the most heavy judgment, even ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... others prefer to place him at the head of the ... it and of conveying thither the heavy
accessories and ... Pharaonic funerals, prevented any attempt being made to cut ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... He circumcised Timothy, and shaved his own head, practised going ... candle-stick, and
the censer, were made of the ... the Lord's Nazarite was once shaven bald by a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm