Topical Encyclopedia The forehead, as a part of the human head, holds significant symbolic and literal importance in the biblical narrative. Throughout Scripture, the forehead is mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing identity, character, and divine interaction.1. Symbol of Identity and Ownership: In the Bible, the forehead is frequently associated with identity and ownership. In Ezekiel 9:4 , God instructs a man clothed in linen to "put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed in it." This mark serves as a sign of protection and divine ownership, distinguishing the faithful from those destined for judgment. 2. Sign of Consecration and Holiness: The forehead is also a place of consecration. In Exodus 28:36-38 , the high priest is instructed to wear a gold plate on his forehead inscribed with "Holy to the LORD." This signifies the priest's dedication and the holiness required in approaching God on behalf of the people. 3. Symbol of Rebellion and Stubbornness: Conversely, the forehead can symbolize stubbornness and rebellion against God. In Isaiah 48:4 , God describes Israel as having a "forehead of bronze," indicating their obstinate nature and resistance to His commands. 4. Mark of the Beast: In eschatological contexts, the forehead is mentioned in Revelation as a place where the mark of the beast is received. Revelation 13:16 states, "And the second beast required all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead." This mark signifies allegiance to the beast and opposition to God. 5. Seal of the Servants of God: In contrast to the mark of the beast, Revelation 7:3 speaks of the sealing of God's servants on their foreheads, indicating divine protection and belonging. "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." 6. Symbol of Shame and Punishment: The forehead can also be a place of shame and punishment. In Jeremiah 3:3 , the prophet speaks of Israel's shamelessness, saying, "You have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed." Here, the forehead represents a lack of repentance and moral degradation. 7. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the forehead was often adorned with jewelry or markings that signified status, allegiance, or religious devotion. This cultural practice is reflected in biblical references to the forehead as a place of marking or inscription. The biblical references to the forehead underscore its role as a significant symbol of spiritual realities, reflecting both divine favor and human rebellion. Through these varied mentions, the forehead serves as a canvas for expressing deeper theological truths about identity, allegiance, and the human condition in relation to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 17:49And David put his hand in his bag, and took there a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell on his face to the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 9:4 Library Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism. Devout Customs and Usages Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing ... In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ... The City of Benares. The Fourth vision "On Earth" Entire Sanctification in Type. Resources What does it mean that you are the head and not the tail in Deuteronomy 28:13? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christian women wear head coverings? | GotQuestions.org Who is the head of the church, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org Head: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Head in Grief: Sprinkled With Dust Head in Grief: The Hands Placed On Head of Criminals often Cut off Head of Enemies Slain in War, often Cut off Head of the Chief City of a Kingdom Head of the Leper Always Uncovered Head of Women Generally Covered in Public Head: (Anointed) of Joy and Prosperity Head: (Covered) of Defence and Protection Head: (Lifted Up) of Exaltation Head: (Lifted Up) of Joy and Confidence Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments Head: All the Other Members Necessary To Head: Bowed Down in Worshipping God Head: Bowed Down: As a Token of Respect Head: Derision Expressed by Shaking Head: Liable to Internal Disease Head: Nazarites Forbidden to Shave Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Crown Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Face Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Forehead Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Hair Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Scalp Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Skull Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Temples Head: Priests Forbidden to Shave Head: Put for the Whole Person Head: Shaven when Vows Were Taken Head: The Body Supported and Supplied By Head: The Jews Censured for Swearing By Head: The Uppermost and Chief Member of the Body Head: when Hoary With Age to be Respected Related Terms |