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NASB | 1 Chronicles 19:5 Then certain persons went and told David about the men. And he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated. And the king said, "Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Chronicles 19:5 When David was told how the men were treated, he sent messengers to meet them, for they were very humiliated and ashamed [to return]. So the king said, "Stay in Jericho until your beards grow [back], and then return." |
Subject: Should Christian men wear a beard? |
Bible Note: I agree with the comment about the beard not being a salvation issue. I do however, believe that the Word of God shows that God would prefer that men would wear their beard. First God created man in his own image, and that was with the facial hair that grows when one becomes of age. Also we have the example of His only Son Jesus who clearly had a beard in Isiah 50. In the old testament days, and the days of Jesus, the men of God those that followed Jesus; the forefathers of the christian church, all had beards. There was only three situations when it was appropriate for one of the early Christians to shave their beard. 1. In the event of great sorrow morning or loss, such as in the case of Job. 2. In the case of great shame or humiliation, such as in the case of king David's ambassadors in 1Chronicles 19, or in the case of Jesus during the crucifixion. 3. In the case of leprosy or some other skin disease. The only other people who shaved their beards were the Egyptians, Romans and those who followed their pagan religions. In Leviticus 19:27 God told the people to not "mar the corner of their beard" or "shave their head round" this was the practice of some of the pagan people, and God did not want His people to even look like the pagan world. Also there is reference in both testaments where God encourages men to look and act like men, and for women to do the same. The beard is the symbol of wisdom, which God tells us in Proverbs, is to be desired more that riches. It is the very visage of masculinity, and clearly distinguishes the sex's. All this leads me to believe that God prefers His men to be bearded. Just a question, who would you rather represent in appearance The Son of man, or those who crucified Him? |