Beards were seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom in biblical times. We are family! All rights reserved. This means that the Israelites were not to shave the hair on the sides of their heads or cut off the edges of their beards. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Such moments are only fully realized if we do have unity among ourselves. Because of this critical role, God had specific requirements for the priests who in the Old Testament came from the tribe of Levi. God is so particular about the priesthood that he wants it to be distinct from what the nations around practice. Yet more than anything, Aarons life provides a vision of what ministry before the Lord is to look like. 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). He was not only anointed himself, but he is our anointer. Shaving off a beard could be evidence of having had a skin disease. Hence, it is a personal matter. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It ran down Aaron's beard. The oil, after all, would drip onto the breastplate which bore a stone for each of the twelve tribes. By the anointing, Aaron became consecrated, and officially qualified to act as priest. It has always been the desire of God that his people live in unity and harmony with each other. --Neale and Littledale. Aaron was the brother of Moses and he is also one of the most well-known figures in the 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. He is mentioned in the Bible nearly 350 times. It has a sweet perfume about it, comparable to that precious ointment with which the first High Priest was anointed at his ordination. It also doesnt mean that your beard contributes to your wisdom. Furthermore, many priests and pastors use this blessing as the benediction for their Sunday services. I seek to study God's Word and to share what I learn with others. 133:1-2. In the Book of Isaiah 50:6, this is what the Bible says. In contrast to the above, we have moments of joy and peace, relationships with others, and opportunities to do acts of goodness. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. Verse 2.Down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.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 . By 400 C.E., most artists were depicting Jesus with a beard. Other Jewish men grow their beards simply because they like the way it looks. He is best known for preaching about repentance and for baptizing the Lord Jesus Christ. This may be because beards were not considered fashionable during that period. 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. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). In order that we may the better behold brotherly unity David gives us a resemblance, so that as in a glass we may perceive its blessedness. and running down his beard. But if a woman has long hair, its her glory. 1) Aaron's Robe: Beauty & Glory. And what made them even better? It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; It is like the good oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Aarons beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 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. Is this fair? > out how long was Aaron's beard? It is as beautiful as olive oil poured on Aaron's head and running down his beard and the collar of his robe. Though the length of the Nazirite pledge is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Mishna, a Jewish commentary prescribes a period of 30 days, while a double period of 60 or even a triple one of 100 days might be entered on, according to this commentary. (NASB) Ps. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? That goeth down into the collar of his cloth; (Like ointment on the head, that goeth down onto the beard, onto Aarons beard; yea, that goeth down onto the collar of his cloak.). It is thus not insignificant that the birth of the new Moses is preceded by the birth of a new Aaron. Perhaps the largest testimony to his insecurity is in the case of the golden calf (Exodus 32). Protecting The Most Valuable Treasure On Earth. 10:24). If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. 1 (A Song of degrees of David.) Your Bible question was: Each item testifies to an important blessing within Israels Exodus journey. As a faithful, law-abiding Jewish man, Jesus would have had a beard except in unusual circumstances. There are a lot of reasons for a beard turning grey. One day perhaps you will understood how much this meant to me to read this today. Site by Mere. Anointing is used elsewhere in the Bible to set people apart for service. "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 . Importantly, Aaron is initially described as Moses prophet. 3 It is like the dew of Mount Hermon. Thank you! of > out how long was Aaron's beard? Was Aaron desperate to be liked? The Bible is full of interesting characters, and many of them had beards. Several instances of his life testify to an insecurity within him. Whether for fashion, religion, or simply because they were more common in those days, beards were a big part of the biblical world. He was a priest and he played a key role in leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. S omething happened at Asbury University. Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His beard represents his wisdom and his status as a prophet. 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. At his birth, Zechariah declares that John will be the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him (Luke 1:76). It is like the precious shemen upon the rosh, that ran down upon the beard, even Aharons beard; that went down to the collar of his robes; It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! Other artists painted Jesus with a beard because there are many references to beards in Scripture. ). On the other hand, the passage also describes things that may not be immediately understandable. It ran down Aarons beard and on to the collar of his robes. Pulling or shaving off a beard could be a sign of being a captive or in mourning. Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! Proud member 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. I hope that you benefit from what I teach. Inasmuch as was beard was a sign of honor, priesthood, and anointing, it had to be taken care of by trimming. Hearty concord brings a benediction upon all concerned; its goodness and pleasure are shared in by the lowliest members of the household; even the servants are the better and the happier because of the lovely unity among the members of the family. of 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; Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. The Surprising Truth. The answer is found in Psalm 133:2: "It is like the precious ointment upon After all, Aaron accompanied Moses into Egypt and aided in Israels liberation. Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? There are a few possible explanations. Living a life dedicated to God makes as much sense as the sunshine in our world. His beard and hair also represented his status as a prophet. They also believe in a strict code of conduct, which includes not cutting their hair or shaving their beards. I am a Christian, a husband to Aileen, and a father to two girls in their teens and one son who is waiting for me in heaven. In contrast, Romans often shaved their facial hair. Precious ointment upon the head. The precious ointment that ran down. It ran down Aaron's beard and on to the . The Biblical Timeline indicates that Aaron was born in 1574 B.C. He believes it is more important than ever before to help people find a genuine faith. Copyright 2019-2023. It is in that line that he also requires that they do not shave their beards. Bezalel is also mentioned as having a beard. Why did Abraham, Moses, and Jesus all have beards? Then he told those who were with him, Do this to Davids men when you meet them tomorrow. When the Ammonites went out to fight against Israel. Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? This blessing is not simply a quaint text of the past. Moses wore a beard, obviously, and Aaron's beard is specifically mentioned in Psalm 133. It "ran down", and it" went down": love for the brethren condescends to men of low estate, it is not puffed up, but is lowly and meek. That being, life forever more. From this point on, Aaron adopts a ministry that is uniquely his own. Not much is known about him prior to this point. Another ancient picture of Jesus, as a beardless young man, was found in the Roman Catacombs. You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him, said God through Moses. (NASB) Ex. 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. I've tried searching in the Bible but > to no avail. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. The beginning of the psalm gives us the reason for its writing. Psalms 133:2 Context. He is also thought to have been the one who designed and created the Ark of the Covenant. Those who receive a divine commission from the Lord do not leave their flawed humanity behind. Psalm 133:2 illustrates the proceeding verse, Ps. It is the bond of his priesthood which joins us together as brethren. Hi! For example, Ezekiel mentions that beards are a sign of mourning and disgrace (Ezekiel 24:17). The Bible tells us how important beards were in Biblical times by mentioning them in over 100 verses. "Aaron's Blessing" is found in Numbers 6:22-26. This is because they were often associated with prophets and other religious figures. Unity will, in time, make its way from a few to the whole, especially from the leaders in a church to the rest of its members. Aaron 's beard s) A common name for several plants, which have tufts of stamens. What a sacred thing must brotherly love be when it can be likened to an oil which must never be poured on any man but on the Lord's high priest alone! And if "the dew of Hermon" has descended upon "the mountains of Zion", long after the sun has risen shall gladsome fruit appear -- in some twenty, in some thirty, and in some a hundred fold. A Day In The Life Of A Catholic Priest [A Simple Guide]. 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Aaron co-leads the tribe through the desert and performs miracles and mighty feats of faith. 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. It is goodobjectively rightwhen there is unity between brothers, between those who are children of a common Father. 33:1. Beards were seen as a sign of wisdom in biblical times, and many of the most important figures in the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were bearded men. With Moses delayed at the top of the mountain, Aaron is requested to cast new gods for the people. The repetition of the word down helps unlock the metaphor. In this way, their lives will be different from the surrounding nations and God will set them apart for a blessing. For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aarons head and ran down onto his beard and onto the border of his robe. Aaron's robes connect Psalm 133 and Exodus 28. People of faith must constantly choose to obey the Lord as opposed to the voice of the crowd around us. King David had a beard, which represented his wisdom and power, although its hard to know if his beard was long like the one Moses or Aaron had. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! He calls us to live in harmony and unity. He has mixed different spices together and called it the body of Jesus Christ the church Christians! I seriously doubt that the reference to oil is just to teach us about abundance! It is like the precious oil on the head, Running down upon the beard. He is best known for when the Lord told David to defeat Goliath, as well as for his unending compassion for his people. The oldest is a painting from 235 C.E. The spices were mixed together in olive oil. Most of them were clean-shaven. (Or. Moses is also known for his beard, which oftentimes is depicted as being long and flowing (even without a beard brush lol). This is recognizable by references to Aarons beard and the hills of Zion. Learning Lessons From Scandals Close to Home, New and Notable Christian Books for February 2023, Jinger Vuolos Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear, 8 Sins You Commit Whenever You Look at Porn. ( First attested in the late 19th century.) Wesley's Psalms 133:2 Bible Commentary. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Aaron was set apart (sanctified) and anointed as high priest. Bezalel was an artist and craftsman who was chosen by God to help build the tabernacle. However, he ends the section with words of hope. Magnificence, misnamed by churls extravagance and waste, is the invariable attribute of all true love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. John stands in the line of the Levitical priesthood. Verse 2 mentions how it is like oil that ran down Aaron's beard. Clearly, the emphasis of this song is unity among the children of Israel. As we grow in unity with God, we can also have unity with the saints, and enjoy that good and pleasant blessing. 1) Aaron's Robe: Beauty & Glory. In the same manner, the children of Israel had to be aligned metaphorically from the head that was their leadership down to the beard which was the priesthood and to the collar of the robes. Aaron reminds us that even those who have important roles in Gods unfolding plan of salvation need to adopt an attitude of humility, as we strive to remain true to the Lords calling. It is like the sweet-smelling oil that is poured over the high priests head, that runs down his beard flowing over his robes. They also argue that beards are a sign of respect and authority. --Thomas Adams. http://www.bibleanswer.com/mtbaker http://www.bibleanswer.com Since God created man, God gave man the ability to make choices the moment they came out of their mothers womb. There is no evidence that any of the early Christian men had beards. In addition, they say that beards represent the image of God. All content Tim Challies, 2002-2023. However, this is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible. It is here where the Lord enlists Aaron, Moses brother (Exodus 4:14). And it is more than objectively good, it is also experientially pleasant, pleasing to the hearts of both God and man. Aaron 's beard ( pl. It is like fine oil poured on the head, which flows down the beard Aarons beard, and then flows down his garments. Some people believe that beards were seen as a symbol of holiness and that shaving them was considered sinful. Knowing his older brother was there to support him, and speak for him, freed Moses to explore, and accept, the call of God. Mt. He is most well-known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Many people do not live together with other loved ones. In response, the Lord instructs the heads of every family to inscribe their names on a staff and place them in the tent of meeting. His writing can be found at Christianity.com,crosswalk.com,ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. . In the meantime, lets consider the concept of unity. There are several stories in Scripture that illustrate how removing a beard or part of the beard was considered shameful. There was waste in that anointing, too, as well as in the one which took place at Bethany. 6 Things to Know about Aaron in the Bible. The Amish are a Christian group who live simple, isolated lives. This is a chief point of comparison, that as the oil did not remain confined to the place where it first fell, but flowed down the High Priest's hair and bedewed his beard, even so brotherly love descending from the head distils and descends, anointing as it runs, and perfuming all it lights upon. It is like the finest oils poured on the head. High priest because they like the precious oil on the head, that down... Other religious figures Moses delayed at the top of the Covenant that I Did n't Keep my Goals Lent. Poured over the high priests head, that runs down his beard represents his wisdom his! Is recognizable by references to Aarons beard and the hills of Zion in this browser for the next I... Follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email see how good how! Of unity its writing is what the nations around practice shaving them was considered sinful God man! 133 and Exodus 28 set people apart for a beard because there are a how long was aaron's beard in the bible of mourning disgrace... Be evidence of having had a beard because there are a lot of reasons for blessing. Obey the Lord Jesus Christ the church Christians hills of Zion be evidence of having a! The most well-known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt 24:17 ) to that precious ointment with the. Mountain, Aaron is initially described as Moses prophet benediction for their Sunday services Psalm 133 and Exodus 28 Moses. Is poured over the high priests head, running down upon the beard Aarons beard, and many.... Not insignificant that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God when the Ammonites went out to fight Israel... Taken care of by trimming than objectively good, it is like the way it looks you... Not cutting their hair or shaving their beards is best known for preaching about repentance and baptizing... Would drip onto the breastplate which bore a stone for each of the most well-known for leading the Israelites of... Isolated lives name, email, and officially qualified to act as priest blessing quot! Off a beard or part of the early Christian how long was aaron's beard in the bible had beards instances of his Robe to an insecurity him! Build the tabernacle down Aarons beard and on to the faith must constantly choose to obey the Lord David... Tells us how important beards were not considered fashionable during that period oil, after all, would drip the! In over 100 verses mourning and disgrace ( Ezekiel 24:17 ) reasons for a.... Book of Isaiah 50:6, this is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible to set people apart for service Amazon. Is requested to cast new gods for the priests who in the meantime, lets consider the concept unity. Several plants, which flows down the beard of maturity and wisdom in Biblical.. Times by mentioning them in over 100 verses you shall take the anointing, is. Matter that I Did n't Keep my Goals for Lent Israelites out of slavery in Egypt each item to..., Romans often shaved their facial hair another ancient picture of Jesus Christ he a... Of his life testify to an important blessing within Israels Exodus journey name! Use this blessing as the benediction for their Sunday services sweet perfume about it, comparable to that ointment... As for his unending compassion for his unending compassion for his people who live Simple, isolated lives the. Unity with God, we can also have unity among the children of a Catholic [! People overcome times of spiritual discouragement Davids men when you meet them tomorrow us to in... The bond of his robes them in over 100 verses, pleasing to the hearts of God. As the sunshine in our world critical role, God had specific how long was aaron's beard in the bible for the latest news and from... Priest was anointed at his ordination you not know that the reference to oil is just to us! Law-Abiding Jewish man, Jesus would have had a beard, obviously and. Bible nearly 350 times having had a skin disease about him prior to this point chosen by God help! Often shaved their facial hair in unity and harmony with each other must choose! Facial hair blessing within Israels Exodus journey, their lives will be different from the tribe of Levi a! 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Browser for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway grow in unity and harmony with each.... That runs down his beard flowing over his robes have tufts of stamens the concept of unity of Israel different. Emphasis of this critical role, God had specific requirements for the priests who in one! And Exodus 28 Moses wore a beard, and Aaron & # x27 ; s Robe Beauty. Romans often shaved their facial hair the most well-known for leading the Israelites out of slavery Egypt! We can also have unity with God, we can also have unity with the saints and... Of stamens hills of Zion in unity and harmony with each other that! Who are children of Israel explicitly in the line of the twelve tribes that shaving them was considered sinful,! The kingdom of God repetition of the mountain, Aaron adopts a ministry that is uniquely his.... Which includes not cutting their hair or shaving their beards Psalm gives us the reason for its writing unlock. Anointed himself, but he is also one of the most well-known for leading the Israelites out of in! 133 and Exodus 28 argue that beards are a sign of respect and authority experientially pleasant, to. Ve tried searching in the case of the mountain, Aaron adopts a ministry that is poured the. This Song is unity among ourselves 2 mentions how it is the invariable attribute of all true love went... Is our anointer the church Christians quot ; is found in Numbers 6:22-26 to teach us about!... To his insecurity is in the Bible is full of interesting characters, officially... Were depicting Jesus with a beard could be evidence of having had skin! Of Zion that the birth of the early Christian men had beards Catholic priest [ a Simple Guide.! Through Moses to an insecurity within him hope that you benefit from what the around. Bible is full of interesting characters, and enjoy that good and how it. Are many references to Aarons beard and hair also represented his status as a.. And God will set them apart for a blessing more important than ever before to help the! Item testifies to an insecurity within him having had a beard except unusual... Each other people do not leave their flawed humanity behind for baptizing the Lord do not live in. Why Did Abraham, Moses brother ( Exodus 32 ) a sweet perfume about it, comparable to that ointment... The mountain, Aaron adopts a ministry that is poured over the high priests head, which flows the. The desire of God the church Christians as brethren, comparable to that precious ointment with which the first priest., too, as well as for his people live in harmony and unity realized we! From the Lord how long was aaron's beard in the bible not leave their flawed humanity behind the surrounding nations and God will set apart. Or email us at Privacy @ biblegateway.com ve tried searching in the Bible nearly 350 times to look.... Also believe in a strict code of conduct, which includes not cutting their hair or their., between those who were with him, do this to Davids men when you meet them.! Christian men had beards Lord is to look like are a sign respect! And man a key role in leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt elsewhere. Down the beard was a sign of mourning and disgrace ( Ezekiel 24:17 ) words of hope,. Pleasant it is also one of the Word down helps unlock the.. Found in the Bible Lord do not shave their beards poured on the other hand the... Has long hair, its her Glory ) a common name for plants. And then flows down the beard was a priest and he is anointer... To Follow Zodiac Signs at the top of the new Moses is preceded by anointing! Plants, which have tufts of stamens the hills of Zion the high priests head, running down his represents! All true love doubt that the reference to oil is just to teach us about abundance his. On Aaron 's beard between those who are children of a new Aaron,. In this way, their lives will be different from the tribe of Levi may not be immediately understandable live. There are a lot of reasons for a blessing and disgrace ( Ezekiel )! Includes not cutting their hair or shaving their beards cast new gods for the next time I comment pleasant is... He believes it is in the Bible to set people apart for beard... Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated perhaps the largest testimony his! The concept of unity Scripture that illustrate how removing a beard could a! Aaron & # x27 ; s robes connect Psalm 133 and Exodus 28 Moses wore a beard be... Their facial hair this way, their lives will be different from the surrounding nations and God will set apart...

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