Topical Bible: The Beard: Shaving, Illustrative of Severe Judgments

◄ The Beard: Shaving, Illustrative of Severe Judgments ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the beard was a significant symbol of dignity, maturity, and honor among men. The act of shaving the beard, therefore, carried profound implications, often symbolizing humiliation, disgrace, or severe judgment. This symbolism is evident in various scriptural passages where the shaving of the beard is used to illustrate divine judgment or personal shame.

Cultural and Religious Significance of the Beard

In ancient Israelite culture, the beard was considered a mark of manhood and respect. Levitical law even provided guidelines for the maintenance of the beard, as seen in Leviticus 19:27 : "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 the beard as a God-given feature that should be preserved and respected.

Shaving as a Symbol of Judgment

The act of shaving the beard is used in the Bible as a metaphor for severe judgment and disgrace. One of the most poignant examples is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet uses the imagery of shaving to describe the impending judgment on Judah. Isaiah 7:20 states, "On that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to remove your beard as well." Here, the shaving of the beard symbolizes the complete humiliation and subjugation of the people by a foreign power, indicating God's judgment upon them for their disobedience.

Historical Context and Illustrations

The historical context of shaving the beard as a form of disgrace is further illustrated in the account of King David's envoys in 2 Samuel 10. When David sent his servants to express sympathy to Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, Hanun humiliated them by shaving off half of their beards and cutting their garments (2 Samuel 10:4-5). This act was not only a personal affront but also a public declaration of dishonor, reflecting the severity of the insult and the judgment upon David's men.

Prophetic Imagery and Symbolism

The prophetic books often employ the imagery of shaving to convey messages of divine judgment. In Ezekiel 5:1-2 , the prophet is instructed to shave his head and beard with a sword, dividing the hair into thirds to symbolize the fate of Jerusalem: "Take a sharp sword and use it as a barber’s razor to shave your head and your beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair." This dramatic act serves as a visual prophecy of the destruction, dispersion, and suffering that would befall the city due to its rebellion against God.

Conclusion

The shaving of the beard in biblical literature serves as a powerful symbol of severe judgment and disgrace. It reflects the cultural and religious significance of the beard as a symbol of honor and the profound impact of its removal as a sign of divine retribution. Through these vivid illustrations, the Bible communicates the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable consequences of such actions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:20
In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
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

Ezekiel 5:1
And you, son of man, take you a sharp knife, take you a barber's razor, and cause it to pass on your head and on your beard: then take you balances to weigh, and divide the hair.
Torrey's Topical Textbook