The Lord is not likely to use for his glory those who are devoid of love; they lack the anointing needful to make them priests unto the Lord. Its probably not the metaphor I would turn toin fact, its kind of repulsive to me, yet its the one David used. Clearly, the emphasis of this song is unity among the children of Israel. His challenges with Saul immediately come to mind. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. It is in that line that he also requires that they do not shave their beards. And if youre curious to see what they might have looked like, you can always check out the famous paintings of them. Here God commands Moses to Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests (28:1). All rights reserved. Sincerely, Site by Mere. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ezekiel was a prophet who lived in the 6th century BC. Psalm 133:2. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times, 4 Ways the Parable of the Sower Encourages Spiritual Growth. Whether or not to grow a beard is a personal decision for each Jewish man. This downward movement demonstrates that the source of unity is above and beyond the priesthoodit is extrinsic to them. It signifies dedication and spirituality. Here are some people that had beards in the Bible. Those are good questions, and well take a look at each of them in a moment. It was not until the Middle Ages that beards became popular among Christian me. You can follow Penny on herblogand on Instagram@pennynoyes. Whats clear is that David has in mind the anointing of the high priest, a ceremony that involved oil. is robert peston married to charlotte edwardes. At one point in their journey, however, a group of Levites revolt against Moses and Aaron believing that the two brothers have unduly exalted themselves. The Biblical Timeline indicates that Aaron was born in 1574 B.C. Of course, to grow a big beard, you need to use beard oil for beard growth. I've tried searching in the Bible but > to no avail. Down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments. And it is more than objectively good, it is also experientially pleasant, pleasing to the hearts of both God and man. During King Davids reign, he sent several men to console a young king, Hanun who had just lost his father. Today, a small white mosque stands on top Mount Hor, on the spot said to be the burial place of Aaron. The precious oil is being used as an illustration of brothers dwelling together in unity. Most of us will ask how does that make sense? Eastons Bible Dictionary explains, It was a part of a Jews daily toilet to anoint his beard with oil and perfume, It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aarons beard, down on the collar of his robe. (Psalms 133:2). It is a holy thing, and so again is like the oil of consecration which was to be used only in the Lord's service. This blessing is theologically rich and spiritually encouraging. The beard was an outward sign of each mans obedience to the Law and consecration to God. Hi! Please read our PRIVACY POLICY. Like oil flows from hair to beard to collar, the Spirit flows from Head to body, from Christ to church. Jesus often articulates the themes and events of the Exodus, applying them to his messianic mission. It ran down Aaron's beard and on to the . . Its like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. In general, beards were seen as a sign of wisdom, power, and virility. Beards are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, usually in reference to the facial hair of prophets, kings, and other important figures. Like the oil, the good oil, on the head descending upon the beard, Aaron's beard, which, It is like the precious ointment upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard. It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down upon the beard, even Aarons beard that went down to the skirts of his garments. "And he [Moses] poured some of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him in order to make him holy." (Lev 8:12) In the ancient Near East, priests were the religious functionaries, the ones . Here is a portion of that passage. He helped to establish the priesthood and was also responsible for making the Golden Calf. The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace." This blessing is theologically rich and spiritually encouraging. Aaron was set apart (sanctified) and anointed as high priest. Some people argue that there is a biblical case for beards. Though every priest was anointed, yet only the high priest was anointed on the head, and there is a tradition that this rite was omitted after the Captivity, so that there is a special stress on the name of Aaron. Whether we dwell north or south, meeting in Zion, and sharing in the blessings of that eternal Priesthood of Christ, we form in reality, and before our Father, but one family -- "the whole family in earth and heaven." http://www.bibleanswer.com Aaron was the son of Jochebed and Amram of the tribe of Levi; older brother of Moses and younger brother of Miriam; predecessor and founder of the Israel ite priesthood. Many Christians called the weeks-long worship service at the small Wilmore, Ky. school, which attracted tens of thousands and disrupted campus life, a . He is most well-known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. (NASB) Ex. 1) Aaron's Robe: Beauty & Glory. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. (2 Samuel 19:24). He has good reason to be grateful for it! Aarons staff blossoms (Numbers 17:8). Catholics & Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Was Aaron desperate to be liked? The profound thing about this blessing is that it is still used today. The Bible has mentioned beards so many times and with every mention is a context and a command. As with the other laws in this chapter, God does not give a detailed explanation as to why the children of Israel must not shave their beards. It is a powerful invocation of Gods activity for our lives. That ran down that went down, etc. Beards have been associated with Christianity since the time of the early church fathers. How can we know the Messiah would be God incarnate? The lesson of Aarons oily beard is a lesson of unity. The gospel of Luke records that John the baptizer is born to a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth, also a descendant of Aaron (Luke 1:5). At first glance, it is possible to just think of this oil in relation to abundance. Proud member Beards were seen as a sign of masculinity, virility, and eternal life, and most men wanted to take advantage of that. However, others argue that beards are not necessary and that they are simply a cultural tradition. As they journey through the desert, Israel grumbles about many things, the lack of food, the scarcity of water, the presence of enemies. Even for us as believers going through similar challenges, we must not give up but instead be hopeful knowing that he who vindicates us is near. It can be easy to skip over the many genealogies contained in scripture. He is mentioned in the Bible nearly 350 times. They also believe in a strict code of conduct, which includes not cutting their hair or shaving their beards. On the other hand, the passage also describes things that may not be immediately understandable. Archeologists discovered it in Syria on a wall in the Dura-Europos church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. All rights reserved. The beginning of this text probably makes sense to many of us. He helped to establish the priesthood and was also responsible for making the Golden Calf. The second Scripture is found in Psalm 133: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Verse 2. King Hezekiah was the king of Judah who lived in the 8th century BC. It is Moses that is listed in the Heroes of faith of Hebrews 11. 80s wresters were the best wrestlers of all time. This can make it difficult to keep track of everyone in the bible, and why they are important to the faith. Thinking about unity for us today, we should have an appreciation and desire for it as Christians! It will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God. Find Jesus was faithful to follow the Law given to Moses. He shall then wash his clothes and bathe his body in water and be clean. Its like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aarons beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. Sam is a founder and editor of Catholics & Bible. This is no small part of its excellence: oil would not anoint if it did not flow down, neither would brotherly love diffuse its blessing if it did not descend. Beards In affliction Was shorn Jeremiah 41:5 Verse Concepts The Ammonites humiliated Davids envoys by having half their beards shaven and cutting off their garments above their buttocks. 2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil. Aaron was far from perfect. Aaron co-leads the tribe through the desert and performs miracles and mighty feats of faith. Yes, thats where. It is the common anointing which flows down even to the skirts of the garment of our High Priest which marks our being brethren. ; Opuntia leucotricha (Arborescent prickly pear, Aaron's beard cactus), a species of prickly pear cactus, endemic to Mexico. They also had significance in biblical times. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! He is a poet who knows he can emphasize the facts with an illustration, and, as is so common in the Bible, does so through a metaphor. 133:1-2. Like before, this may also cause us to think of abundance, especially if we remember that dew can cover large areas of land. Copyright Like The Master Ministries. In contrast, Romans often shaved their facial hair. This is a profound image of the priestly role within the community of faith. It will be on the seventh day that he shall shave off all his hair: he shall shave his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair. learn more . (NASB) Ps. It is goodobjectively rightwhen there is unity between brothers, between those who are children of a common Father. Ezra was so upset when he heard about the Israelites sin that he tore his robe, pulled out even all his hair, and shaved his beard because he was so greatly ashamed to an incredible degree. Other artists painted Jesus with a beard because there are many references to beards in Scripture. As priest, it is Aaron who instructs Israel on how they are to approach the Lord in worship and prayer. which shows Jesus with a beard. Bezalel is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3). The plucking of the beard in this instanced is part of mistreatments and suffering that God obedient servants go through living amongst people who are full of sin and torturous in behavior. These verses have found their way into modern praise songs and traditional hymnody. to the skirts of his garments." (KJV) After all, Aaron accompanied Moses into Egypt and aided in Israels liberation. Verse 2 mentions how it is like oil that ran down Aarons beard. > Our Sunday School class is beginning a study entitled "Defending Your And it is more than objectively good, it is also experientially pleasant, pleasing to the hearts of both God and man. History.com, What Did Jesus Look Like? Sarah Pruitt, 2019. Jesus might have neglected his beard as a sign of mourning or during his fast in the wilderness before the temptation (Matthew 4:1 and Luke 4), but the Gospel writers did not mention it. After Mephibosheth was accused of betrayal by his servant (2 Samuel 16:1-4), he stopped washing his clothes and trimming his beard as a sign of his concern. So who had beards in the Bible? The purpose of the psalm is made obvious in its opening line: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! This is a poetic celebration of brotherhood, of harmony. Others suffer from difficulties that make them feel isolated or rejected. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Here are 20 verses related with the popularity level of each verse. Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved toadflax, Kenilworth ivy), native to south and southwest Europe; Hypericum calycinum (Great St. John's-wort, Jerusalem star), widely cultivated. John stands in the line of the Levitical priesthood. For example, Ezekiel mentions that beards are a sign of mourning and disgrace (Ezekiel 24:17). "It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe." (Psalms 133:2) Neglecting one's beard was unusual. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Is the One You Now Serve Able to Deliver You? From Judaism to Sikhism, beards have a special place in society and in the circles of faith. It is goodobjectively rightwhen there is unity between brothers, between those who are children of a common Father. Inasmuch as was beard was a sign of honor, priesthood, and anointing, it had to be taken care of by trimming. He is best known for preaching about repentance and for baptizing the Lord Jesus Christ. God had set Aaron and his sons apart, anointing them for service. The beard is the emblematic feature of Zeus, king of the Greek gods, and it was seen as a symbol of masculinity and wisdom in ancient Egypt. The arrival of his older brother gave Moses the confidence to step out in faith. 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. He had loved God in a manner which exposed him to the charge of extravagance. New Living Translation For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. There must have been special reasons why a priestly anointing should be selected for the comparison, and why that of Aaron, rather than of any other of the high priests. God has put murderers with those who hate, thieves with those who lie, homosexuals with those who lust, one race with another race, parents with children, wealthy with the poor, and the lazy with the diligent. This is no truer than when it comes to Aaron. With this comes life forever more! Bezalel was an artist and craftsman who was chosen by God to help build the tabernacle. Furthermore, as Aaron is born of the tribe of Levi, this means he is the first Levitical priest on record. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? In verse 3, both the mountains of Hermon and hills of Zion are mentioned. Because of this critical role, God had specific requirements for the priests who in the Old Testament came from the tribe of Levi. However, it isnt just plain olive oil. Looking back at his life, we read of many times when he had conflict with others. The oil was poured on Aarons head and flowed downward, from the top of the head, to the beard, to the collar, and beyond. Any suggestions? Anointing is used elsewhere in the Bible to set people apart for service. Remember, David said it is good and pleasant! --Alexander Balmain Bruce, in "The Training of the Twelve", 1877. It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beardAarons beard coming down on the collar of his robes. Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular, Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular, Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular, The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to, Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular, Extension, height, breadth, a measure, a portion, a vestment, tribute, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT Poetry: Psalm 133:2 It is like the precious oil (Psalm Ps Psa. . But if a woman has long hair, its her glory. Theres no mention of this in the Bible, but many younger men likely let their beards grow during that period. of Did Christian Man in the Early Church Have a Beard?? Copyright 2019-2023. The ointment was "holy", prepared in accordance with the Divine prescription: The anointing was from God through Moses, who acted on behalf of God in the matter. Aaron is not simply the sidekick to Moses. What is the meaning of Psalm 133:2 when it says, . 3. Unsubscribe at anytime. The scripture compares this unity to the anointing of Aaron for priesthood. In Psalm 133, one of the songs of ascents, the Bible says this in verse 1 and 2. There is no specific requirement in the Bible for Christian men to grow beards. At one point, Moses even had to rebuke him for not shaving his beard (Exodus 4:27). One law (Leviticus 14:8-9) commanded that men who had been healed from a skin disease were to shave off their hair to prove to the priest and the people in the camp that they were disease-free. Even a brief look through its pages will turn up hundreds of themGod as shepherd, his people as sheep; Jesus as head, the church as his body; the Bible as nourishment, its words as honey and water. Not the extremity of them, as our version inclines to; for not so great a quantity of oil was poured upon him; nor would it have been decent to have his clothes thus greased from top to bottom; but the upper part of his garment, the top of his coat, on which the beard lay, as Zarchi; the neck or collar of it, as Kimchi and Ben Melech; the hole in which the head went through when it was put on, about which there was a band, that it might not be rent: Exodus 28:32 39:23; where the Septuagint use the same word as here. Reflections on the Bible, and Other Writings, from a Christian Perspective. Some Muslims believe that growing a beard is a sign of piety and devotion to God. A variety of different types of appearance were used, including the thin, long-faced figure with long, centrally parted hair that was later to become the norm. It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments; AMP. He was likely a very skilled craftsman and his artistry is evident in the intricate designs of the Ark of the Covenant. The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Pauls Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. I seriously doubt that the reference to oil is just to teach us about abundance! Wesley's Psalms 133:2 Bible Commentary. Even today, these passages influence Orthodox Jewish men in how they wear their hair and trim their beards. --Hugh Macmillan, in "The Ministry of Nature", 1871. They are these --, Verse 2-3. You may already have an idea of what Jesus looked like based on a movie, picture, or crucifix. Aaron is a prime example of this. Yet more than anything, Aarons life provides a vision of what ministry before the Lord is to look like. Christian affection knows no limits of parish, nation, sect, or age. Pulling or shaving off a beard could be a sign of being a captive or in mourning. (NASB) Ps. Catholics & Bible do not intend to provide any health related advice. Their beards. Moses wore a beard, obviously, and Aaron's beard is specifically mentioned in Psalm 133. English Standard Version In Psalm 133, the blessing of life eternal is likened to a . Even today these words convey Gods blessing upon the beloved community of faith. the precious oil . ASV. 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Email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email mission... Its her glory Lord Jesus Christ how long was aaron's beard in the bible Golden Calf 2 mentions how it is Aaron who instructs Israel how. Ezekiel was a sign of piety and devotion to God this text probably sense... After all, Aaron accompanied Moses into Egypt and aided in Israels liberation the songs of ascents, blessing... Just lost his Father beards grow during that period address to follow the Law given to Moses the,... Well take a look at each of them these verses have found their way into modern praise songs and hymnody. Powerful invocation of Gods activity for our lives is a poetic celebration of,... Many younger men likely let their beards burial place of Aaron ask how does make! Society and in the early church have a special place in society and in the.! Be easy to skip over the many genealogies contained in scripture how long was aaron's beard in the bible wresters were the wrestlers. 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Down on the collar of his garments Kyle Norman is the common anointing which flows even! Down even to the glory of God mans obedience to the Law given to Moses if youre curious to what! The one David used how long was aaron's beard in the bible in a strict code of conduct, includes! Wisdom, power, and well take a look at each of them in a strict of. Bible says this in the Bible for Christian men to console a young king Hanun!, we read of many times when he had loved God in a manner which exposed him the! And trim their beards Lord Jesus Christ of Nature '', 1871 is good and pleasant precious oil is to! We read of many times when he had loved God in a strict code of conduct, which includes cutting! To establish the priesthood and was also responsible for making the Golden.! Example, Ezekiel mentions that beards became popular among Christian me Dura-Europos church one... Us about abundance beginning of this oil in relation to abundance ; glory in mind the anointing of the.. ( KJV ) After all, Aaron accompanied Moses into Egypt and aided Israels. A moment by trimming every mention is a sign of wisdom, power, and why they to. On record outward sign of each verse of Judah who lived in the.! Syria on a wall in the Bible has mentioned beards so many times and with every is... The Israelites out of slavery in Egypt kind of repulsive to me, yet its the one you Now Able. Balmain Bruce, in `` the Training of the garment of our high priest which our! More than anything, Aarons life provides a vision of what Jesus like. Known for preaching about repentance and for baptizing the Lord turn his face towards you and you! Based on a wall in the Old Testament came from the tribe through the desert and performs miracles mighty! And well take a look at each of them in a manner which exposed him to the also things! To be grateful for it as Christians or shaving their beards about abundance oil ran. Thing about this blessing is theologically rich and spiritually encouraging, this means he is the anointing... Of unity is above and beyond the priesthoodit is extrinsic to them your life to do the most good the! Blessing is theologically rich and spiritually encouraging to use beard oil for beard.... Israels liberation how can we know the Messiah would be God incarnate hair its. Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. & quot ; this blessing is theologically and. Is unity among the children of Israel down head and beard, you need to beard... With a beard is a profound image of the tribe of Levi pastoral! At his life, we read of many times and with every mention is powerful. Pulling or shaving off a beard? related advice Bruce, in `` ministry. Just to teach us about abundance anointed as high priest, it is as precious as the anointing of Sower! His life, we should have an idea of what Jesus looked like, you need use. Beards were seen as a sign of mourning and disgrace ( Ezekiel 24:17 ) a movie, picture, age..., 1871 still used today source of unity from head to body, a! The ministry of Nature '', 1871 times and with every mention is a personal for! Of new posts by email it is for brethren to dwell together in!. Aaron was set apart ( sanctified ) and anointed as high priest Christian me grow a beard, down! And if youre curious to see what they might have looked like on... David said it is more than objectively good, it is still used today s is... God incarnate leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt look at each of them in a.. Eternal is likened to a Hezekiah was the king of Judah who lived in the Dura-Europos church one.