Head of Chief Men
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The term "Head of Chief Men" is a phrase that can be understood within the context of biblical leadership and authority. In the Bible, the concept of "head" often signifies leadership, authority, or preeminence. This is evident in various passages where leaders or prominent figures are described as the "head" of a group or tribe.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Tribal Leadership: In the Old Testament, the heads of tribes or families were often referred to as the "chief men" or "heads of the fathers' houses." These individuals held significant authority and were responsible for the welfare and governance of their respective groups. For example, in Numbers 1:16 , it is stated, "These were the men appointed from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel."

2. Military Leadership: The term is also used in the context of military leadership. In 1 Chronicles 12:28 , we see an example of a chief man in a military setting: "Zadok, a valiant young warrior, with 22 commanders from his own family." Here, the "head" signifies a leader among warriors, emphasizing both authority and valor.

3. Spiritual Leadership: The concept extends to spiritual leadership as well. In the New Testament, Christ is referred to as the "head" of the Church, indicating His supreme authority and leadership over all believers. Ephesians 1:22 states, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church."

4. Symbol of Authority: The "head" as a symbol of authority is also evident in the patriarchal structure of families, where the male head of the household was seen as the leader and representative of the family unit. This is reflected in passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:3 : "But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."

Theological Implications

The role of the "head of chief men" carries significant theological implications, particularly in understanding the biblical model of leadership. It underscores the importance of divinely appointed authority and the responsibility that comes with leadership positions. Leaders are expected to act with wisdom, justice, and humility, reflecting God's character in their governance.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In ancient Israelite society, the "head of chief men" was not merely a title but a role that required the individual to be a mediator between God and the people, a judge in disputes, and a protector of the community. This role was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of the time, highlighting the interconnectedness of spiritual and temporal leadership.

Conclusion

The "Head of Chief Men" is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, encompassing tribal, military, and spiritual leadership. It serves as a reminder of the divinely ordained structure of authority and the responsibilities that come with leadership roles. Through various biblical narratives, the importance of righteous and God-fearing leadership is emphasized, providing a model for leaders throughout the ages.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 9:14,15
Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew
7218. rosh -- head
... best things (1), bodyguard* (1), captains (3), census (7), chief (35), chief men
(6), chiefs ... 1), finest (2), first (12), full (2), hair (3), head (256), heads ...
/hebrew/7218.htm - 6k
Library

In Thee Will I Begin to Speak, Thou Head that Didst Begin all ...
... In Thee will I begin to speak, Thou Head that didst begin all created things. ... of
the Hebrews, [474] and the virgins' daughters of the chief men, are astonished ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn x in thee will.htm

Herod
... was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains,
and the chief men of Galilee ... And she said, The head of John the Baptist. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 14-29 herod.htm

On the Church and Its Head
... This name therefore, "the Head of the Church," cannot be ... that he obtained his
apostleship "neither of men nor by ... Therefore, he is not the chief of the elders. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 18 on the church.htm

The Death of John the Baptist.
... And Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and
the chief men of Galilee. ... And she said, "The head of John the Baptist.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the death of john the.htm

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
... made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee ... king's
displeasure might fall upon her mother.] And she said, The head of John ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxii herod antipas supposes jesus.htm

The Story of David
... Then at last the chief men of the town went out to meet him. "Comest thou peaceably?"
they asked anxiously. The old man lifted his head and looked at them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob.
... All men of little note, became illustrious through His faith. ... He made
chief over the twelve, yea head of the house. [3335]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/a homily on guria and.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles.
... cast into this perplexity, how they should preach His Gospel to men of strange ... be
the Guide of all the people, [3077] like Aaron, the head and chief of all ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 2.htm

The Courage of Four Captives
... But the chief of the king's servants said to Daniel, "I ... your faces are sadder than
those of young men who are ... age, and so you will endanger my head with the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the courage of four captives.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.
... GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS. ... The sun and the moon were as far apart as
these two men. ... The one prayed with his head, and the other with his heart. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter iv grace abounding to.htm

Resources
What does Genesis 3:15 mean that “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel”? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.org

What does INRI stand for? What was written on the sign nailed to the cross above Jesus' head? | GotQuestions.org

Head: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Head

Head Covering

Head Coverings

Head in Grief: Covered Up

Head in Grief: Shorn

Head in Grief: Sprinkled With Dust

Head in Grief: The Hands Placed On

Head of Chief Men

Head of Christ

Head of Criminals often Cut off

Head of Enemies Slain in War, often Cut off

Head of God

Head of Household

Head of Rulers

Head of the Chief City of a Kingdom

Head of the Household

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: (Covered) of Subjection

Head: (Lifted Up) of Exaltation

Head: (Lifted Up) of Joy and Confidence

Head: (Lifted Up) of Pride

Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments

Head: All the Other Members Necessary To

Head: Anointed

Head: Bowed Down in Worshipping God

Head: Bowed Down: As a Token of Respect

Head: Derision Expressed by Shaking

Head: Diseases of

Head: Liable to Baldness

Head: Liable to Internal Disease

Head: Liable to Leprosy

Head: Liable to Scab

Head: Nazarites Forbidden to Shave

Head: Often Anointed

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 Life

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

Headaches

Headship

Related Terms

Bald-head (1 Occurrence)

Axe-head (1 Occurrence)

Ax-head

Head-dresses (11 Occurrences)

Head-band (2 Occurrences)

Head-dress (22 Occurrences)

Head-bands (2 Occurrences)

Head-covers (1 Occurrence)

Head-priest (1 Occurrence)

Head-men (2 Occurrences)

Head-stone (1 Occurrence)

Shaved (23 Occurrences)

Shave (19 Occurrences)

Slaughtered (72 Occurrences)

Charger (17 Occurrences)

Scalp (3 Occurrences)

Head-tires (4 Occurrences)

Chief (696 Occurrences)

Slayeth (28 Occurrences)

Shaven (7 Occurrences)

Skull (7 Occurrences)

Axhead (1 Occurrence)

Separation (50 Occurrences)

Quantity (18 Occurrences)

Spear (55 Occurrences)

Kerchief

Consecration (22 Occurrences)

Chaplet (2 Occurrences)

Capstone (7 Occurrences)

Crest (2 Occurrences)

Sole (13 Occurrences)

Armour (32 Occurrences)

Knees (47 Occurrences)

Ax (12 Occurrences)

Ashes (44 Occurrences)

Visions (43 Occurrences)

Appointeth (28 Occurrences)

Slaughter (121 Occurrences)

Axe (19 Occurrences)

Amulet

Slay (189 Occurrences)

Aaron's (53 Occurrences)

Anointing (39 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Clad (13 Occurrences)

Cushion (3 Occurrences)

Coals (28 Occurrences)

Cane (11 Occurrences)

Avenged (34 Occurrences)

Alabaster (6 Occurrences)

Shaketh (20 Occurrences)

Sores (16 Occurrences)

Shaveth (6 Occurrences)

Selleth (17 Occurrences)

Supported (43 Occurrences)

Supporteth (4 Occurrences)

Scall (9 Occurrences)

Struck (373 Occurrences)

Scoff (18 Occurrences)

Suet (3 Occurrences)

Arranged (32 Occurrences)

Shame (412 Occurrences)

Clothed (153 Occurrences)

Cursing (53 Occurrences)

Shattered (42 Occurrences)

Sprinkled (55 Occurrences)

Arrayed (46 Occurrences)

Separated (97 Occurrences)

Scorn (65 Occurrences)

Shake (68 Occurrences)

Sceptre (20 Occurrences)

Surround (39 Occurrences)

Annas (4 Occurrences)

Anoint (59 Occurrences)

Street (54 Occurrences)

Ascent (32 Occurrences)

Sprinkle (37 Occurrences)

Stricken (32 Occurrences)

Head in Grief: The Hands Placed On
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