Saturday, September 8, 2012

Biblical Evidence for Beards

A few examples of beards in scripture:

Leviticus 19:27, "You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard."

Leviticus 21:5, "They shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts on their body."

II Samuel 10:4-5, "So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, 'Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.'"

Psalm 133:2, "It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!"

Of course, the above verses in no way stipulate that all men must have beards. However, if you want to look manly you will probably do so.

Interestingly, there is infinitely more evidence for having a beard than there is for church buildings, salaried clergy, and worship services. Just thought I would point that out.

Finally, this is too good  not to post:



2 comments:

Aussie John said...

Eric,

True story in which a beard is an integral part:

A Reformed Baptist pastor,whom I know personally, decided the KJV was the only version of which God approved, and accordingly that the old English in which it was written was the appropriate manner of speaking, praying and preaching.

He grew a beard, which, when long enough, he trimmed and trained to resemble the priestly beards one still sees on orthodox Jews today.

By the way,the senior deacon in the church was asked why the KJV was chosen. His reply,"Because it is authorized!"

He was asked who authorized it.

His answer,"God!"

Eric said...

John,

Often times reality truly is stranger than fiction. I love to hear your stories. Thanks!