Topical Bible: The Beard: Worn Even by the Priests

◄ The Beard: Worn Even by the Priests ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the beard was a significant aspect of a man's appearance and held cultural, religious, and social importance. The wearing of beards by priests and other men in ancient Israel is well-documented in the Scriptures, reflecting both divine commandments and societal norms.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The beard was considered a symbol of masculinity, dignity, and wisdom in ancient Israelite culture. It was customary for men to grow and maintain their beards, and this practice extended to the priesthood. The beard was not merely a personal choice but was often seen as an expression of one's identity and adherence to God's commandments.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to the significance of beards, particularly in the context of the priesthood. Leviticus 21:5 instructs the priests, "They must not make bald patches on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies." This command underscores the importance of maintaining the natural growth of the beard, as altering it was associated with pagan mourning practices and was thus prohibited for those serving in the temple.

In Psalm 133:2, the beard is mentioned in a metaphorical context, highlighting its cultural significance: "It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, over the collar of his robes." This imagery emphasizes the anointing of Aaron, the first high priest, and the sanctity associated with the priestly office.

Social and Legal Implications

The beard also had social and legal implications in ancient Israel. In 2 Samuel 10:4-5, we read about the humiliation of David's envoys by the Ammonites, who shaved off half of their beards. This act was considered a grave insult, prompting David to instruct the men to stay in Jericho until their beards had grown back, signifying the restoration of their honor.

Furthermore, the Law of Moses included specific regulations regarding 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 was part of a broader set of laws intended to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations and to maintain their holiness.

Symbol of Mourning and Repentance

While the beard was generally a symbol of honor, there were instances where shaving the beard was associated with mourning or repentance. In Isaiah 15:2, the prophet describes the Moabites' mourning practices: "Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." This act of shaving was a visible sign of grief and lamentation.

Conclusion

The beard, as worn by priests and other men in biblical times, was a multifaceted symbol deeply embedded in the cultural, religious, and social fabric of ancient Israel. It represented not only personal identity and dignity but also adherence to divine commandments and societal norms. The biblical injunctions and narratives surrounding the beard reflect its enduring significance in the life and faith of the Israelite community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 133:2
It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... The beard was carefully trimmed, anointed, and perfumed. ... seems to us, sufficient
evidence, even from Rabbinical ... phylacteries were not universally worn, nor yet ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the hair, and the cuttings of the beard and nails. ... necklaces, scarabs, vultures with
encircling wings worn on the ... This decline is even more marked under the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

'They Also Serve who Only Stand and Wait'
... consecration which they will ever feel is being worn away by ... life which is the basis
of activity is even more ... Let Peter flame in the van, and beard high priests ...
/.../they also serve who only.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew.
... the hair of his head, with a yellow beard, a few ... very white cloak; and his clothes
have been worn twenty-six ... keep her enemy bound, and are you even now afraid ...
/.../martyrdom of the holy and.htm

Homeward Bound
... He had worn it for functions, and would bear it in ... to trip or fall." Then he had
his beard and nails ... and aloud, every man triumphant if he could even touch the ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... head that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron ... it was square in shape, and
was worn on the ... exceed in one direction or in another, or even exercise some ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

At the Well
... The earth about the well was always damp, and the top-most row of the curb was worn
smooth in hollows. ... Even his beard, scant and touched with gray, was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Canaan
... They wore whiskers and a pointed beard, and dressed in ... over which a long robe was
worn, which in ... were perpetually fighting with one another; even the strong ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

War! War! War!
... follow the track of the lion, to beard him in ... discontented with the devil's service,
jaded and worn out with ... and bless you, from this day forth, even for ever! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm

Trinidad
... planters of certain Southern States, and even the Governor of ... Bathtown with the gory
head, black beard and all ... He would have worn that most comfortable of loose ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iii trinidad.htm