Topical Bible: The Beard: Dribbling On, a Sign of Derangement

◄ The Beard: Dribbling On, a Sign of Derangement ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the beard was often regarded as a symbol of dignity, maturity, and wisdom. It was a mark of manhood and respectability among the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, there are instances in Scripture where the condition or treatment of the beard is used to convey a message of disgrace or derangement.

One notable example is found in the account of David's flight from Saul, where he sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath. In 1 Samuel 21:12-15 , David, fearing for his life, feigned madness to avoid being recognized and captured. The text describes his behavior: "So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands. He scribbled on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard." This act of allowing saliva to dribble down his beard was a deliberate display of derangement, intended to convince Achish and his servants that David posed no threat.

In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, the beard was a significant aspect of a man's appearance. To allow it to become disheveled or soiled was a sign of neglect and humiliation. David's actions, therefore, were a calculated effort to appear as someone who had lost his mental faculties, thereby ensuring his safety by being perceived as harmless.

The imagery of a disordered beard as a sign of madness or disgrace is not isolated to this account. The beard, when well-kept, was a source of pride and a reflection of one's social and spiritual standing. Conversely, a neglected or defiled beard could symbolize a fall from grace or a state of mental instability.

In the broader biblical narrative, the beard also plays a role in various laws and customs. Leviticus 19:27 instructs, "You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." This command underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of one's beard as part of the covenantal identity of the Israelite people.

The episode of David's feigned madness and the dribbling of saliva on his beard serves as a poignant illustration of how physical appearance and behavior were intertwined with perceptions of mental and spiritual states in biblical times. It highlights the cultural significance of the beard and its role as a marker of both honor and, when disordered, derangement.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 21:13
And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook