Archive -> March 4, 2006

The beard

Among the Hebrews the beard was considered an ornament and was not shaven, only trimmed (2 Sam. 19:24). The removal of the beard was a part of the ceremonial treatment proper to a leper (Lev. 14:9). The custom in mourning was and is to shave or pluck out it and the hair (Isa. 15:2; 50:6; Jer. 41:5; 48:37; Ezra 9:3), to neglect it in seasons of permanent affliction (2 Sam 19:24), and to regard any insult to it as the last outrage that enmity can inflict (10:4-5). The beard was an object of salutation (20:9), and it was a custom to swear by it (Matt. 5:36). The law (sic) forbade the deforming of the head by cutting away the hair around it, and of the beard by cutting the corners (Lev. 19:27). This is understood to mean that the hair was not to be cut in a circle from one temple to another, as among the Arabs; neither might that portion of the face where the beard and hair met be shaved. These regulations are thought by some to have reference to the fact that among some nations these customs are part of idolatrous worship. – The Beard, The Ungers Bible Dictionary

By looking at the custom, Hebrew regulations and references quotes back up certain statements, when the question “is the beard law?” arises. The response from a follower of Abraham should be, “who are you to questions the laws of The Creator?” Within the scriptures of Yahuwa, the Most High decreed that the beard should not be shaven or cut.

Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. – Leviticus 19:27

To be continued.

Excerpted from Women Of The Scriptures (bulletin) by Dr. Malachi Z. York