Psalm 133:1-3 New Century Version (NCV) 1 It is good and pleasant. It is like the precious ointment upon the head. They say that beards are a symbol of manhood, strength, and power. However, there were a few exceptions. Other Muslims grow their beards simply because they like the way it looks. In Psalm 133, the blessing of life eternal is likened to a . 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. It is like perfumed oil poured on the priests head and running down his beard. The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Pauls Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It is goodobjectively rightwhen there is unity between brothers, between those who are children of a common Father. 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. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It has 2 to 4 inch ovate or oblong, acute leaves and large 5-petaled, 5-sepaled yellow . Copyright Like The Master Ministries. 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. As the psalm continues, two images are employed to help illustrate the goodness of unity. You have the nice bit in the Psalms 133 about `how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity like the precious oil upon the head that ran down upon the beard--Aaron's beard.' The precious ointment that ran down upon the beard that went down to the skirts of his garments. Aaron was set apart (sanctified) and anointed as high priest. It is like the precious anointing oil running down from Aaron's head and beard, down to the collar of his robes. There is no specific judgment mentioned in the Bible regarding beards. Beards were seen as a sign of masculinity, virility, and eternal life, and most men wanted to take advantage of that. He also wrote many of the Psalms in the Bible. As a faithful, law-abiding Jewish man, Jesus would have had a beard except in unusual circumstances. Today, a small white mosque stands on top Mount Hor, on the spot said to be the burial place of Aaron. Any suggestions? Yet several lineages detail how Aaron is the first male child of Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20; 1st Chronicles 6:1-3). A psalm of David. The scripture compares this unity to the anointing of Aaron for priesthood. 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 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. Yet more than anything, Aarons life provides a vision of what ministry before the Lord is to look like. I wrote this short, fast-paced, practical guide to productivity to share what I have learned about getting things done in todays digital world. The second Scripture is found in Psalm 133: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! I've tried searching in the Bible but > to no avail. Verse 2. The beard was an outward sign of each mans obedience to the Law and consecration to God. Men with Sikh hair can wear a long goatee or beard beads. However, many Christian men do choose to grow beards as a sign of their 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 ran down Aarons beard and on to the collar of his robes. They likely didnt use a professional barbers razor. and on to the collar of his robes. I'd say it was pretty long, right?! Want the Verse of the Day sent to your inbox? He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. 3. I've tried searching in the Bible but Jesus may have cut off his beard as a sign of mourning, but there is no mention of it in the Bible. . Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Thank you. Anointing is used elsewhere in the Bible to set people apart for service. Welcome to the online home of Tim Challies, blogger, author, andbookreviewer. However, because he was anointed, Aaron had the joy of worship, and approached God on behalf of His people! On the other hand, the passage also describes things that may not be immediately understandable. How can we know the Messiah would be God incarnate? The priests in the Bible played a very key role as the go between God and the people. 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.). In general, beards were seen as a sign of wisdom, power, and virility. Samson is also known for his beard, which is often depicted as being long and flowing. 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. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message. It is considered a religious obligation for some Muslim men to grow a beard. (Or. As priest, it is Aaron who instructs Israel on how they are to approach the Lord in worship and prayer. The blessing. Individuals who had taken a Nazirite pledge (Numbers 6) did not use a razor on any part of their head. 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. This is explicitly stated as such. Instead, they probably used a sharp sword or knife to trim their beards. It is a diffusive thing: being poured on his bead the fragrant oil flowed down upon Aaron's head, and thence dropped upon his garments till the utmost hem was anointed therewith; and even so doth brotherly love extend its benign power and bless all who are beneath its influence. The Bible has mentioned beards so many times and with every mention is a context and a command. In this prayer and song of the unity of the church, it is note worthy how, commencing with the fundamental idea of "brethren", we rise to the realization of the Elder Brother, who is our common anointed High Priest. For instance, some of the priests from the surrounding nations shaved their heads as part of rituals. It is attributed to King David, and he speaks of how good and pleasant it is to live in unity. Psl. Aaron is described in the Book of Exodus of the Hebrew Scriptures ( Old Testament) as a son of Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi, three years older than his brother Moses. One of the most famous stories about King Hezekiah is when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and he prayed to God to heal him. Jewish men took care of their beards by trimming them and putting oil on them. All rights reserved. 1 How wonderful and pleasant it is. 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 . Here is a portion of that passage. The Bible is full of bearded men, from the patriarchs Abraham and Moses to the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, and even Jesus himself is often depicted with a beard. His beard represents his wisdom and his status as a prophet. In Ezekiel 5:1, we see that God told Ezekiel to shave his head and beard as a sign of mourning. Was Aaron tired of being in the shadow of his younger brother? Several instances of his life testify to an insecurity within him. There are several stories in Scripture that illustrate how removing a beard or part of the beard was considered shameful. In of itself, this worship was a great blessing, but the psalm ends with something else. In fact, until the 20th century, most men in most cultures had beards, and it was only in the last century or so that beards have become less popular. However, Hanuns commanders convinced him that they were spies for David, so they shaved off half of the mens beards and cut off their garments at the buttocks to embarrass them. Hi! 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. It might seem as if it were better not to smear his garments with oil, but the sacred unguent could not be restrained, it flowed over his holy robes; even thus does brotherly love not only flow over the hearts upon which it was first poured out, and descend to those who are an inferior part of the mystical body of Christ, but it runs where it is not sought for, asking neither leave nor license to make its way. 33:1. Aaron is instructed in the precise words he is to use for this blessing. Whether or not to grow a beard is a personal decision for each Muslim man. And while they may not be as popular today, theres no doubt that they still have a place in our history and culture. Though Jesus is portrayed with a beard doesnt mean he had one. 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. Beards are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, usually in reference to the facial hair of prophets, kings, and other important figures. It is like the finest oils poured on the head. Having a beard with uncut corners set Jesus and other Jewish men apart from other people who lived in Judea and Samaria. He was a priest and he played a key role in leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, he usurps the divine name and declares to the people Here are your gods who lead you out of Egypt (32:4). Living a life dedicated to God makes as much sense as the sunshine in our world. 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. He shall then wash his clothes and bathe his body in water and be clean. David recognized this truth when he selected the profuse anointing of Aaron with the oil of consecration at his installation into the office of High Priest as a fit emblem of brotherly love. Was there anything special about Aarons beard? Like before, this may also cause us to think of abundance, especially if we remember that dew can cover large areas of land. > Our Sunday School class is beginning a study entitled "Defending Your 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! S omething happened at Asbury University. What is Gods judgment on a bearded man that is grown out or neatly trimmed? He then leads the people in a festival that includes all types of revelry. When these spices were mixed with oil, the oil became holy oil. It is like precious oil upon the head, that runs down on the beard even Aarons beard and going down to the collar of his garments; Like fine oil on the head, running down upon the beard, Upon the beard of Aaron, upon the collar of his robe. All content Tim Challies, 2002-2023. This verse describes Johns prophetic role. All rights reserved. He is a person with a ministry, and an impact, all his own. "The Lord Bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. Catholics & Bible do not intend to provide any health related advice. View all posts by James Hutton. 1 (A Song of degrees of David.) Protecting The Most Valuable Treasure On Earth. Joseph also had a crumb-catcher until the Pharaoh turned him into a sassy Egyptian. All Rights Reserved, Names Of The Twelve Disciples {Explained!}. As a faithful, law-abiding Jewish man, Jesus would have had a beard except in unusual circumstances. Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were all considered strong and powerful men, and beards may have been seen as a way to express that power. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah wrote about removing a beard and shaving the head as a sign of mourning or becoming a captive. I seriously doubt that the reference to oil is just to teach us about abundance! 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." 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. In fact, of the three siblings - Miriam, Aaron, and Moses - Moses is the youngest. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When Mephibosheth was summoned to appear before king David, the Bible says that he had not taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beards. 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. All rights reserved. Brotherly love comes from the head, but falls to the feet. The spices were mixed together in olive oil. However, others argue that beards are not necessary and that they are simply a cultural tradition. It is a great reminder for us that we need each other to provoke one another to love and good deeds (Heb. It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aarons beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments; It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head, Coming down on the beard, Even the beard of Aaron, Coming down upon the edge of his [priestly] robes [consecrating the whole body]. It can be easy to skip over the many genealogies contained in scripture. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? Some people argue that there is a biblical case for beards. However, this is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible. That went down to the skirts of his garments. This is no truer than when it comes to Aaron. --J. F. Moses, originally, rejects this divine commission. . The answer is found in Exodus 30:22-33. The Lord says to Moses your brother Aaron will be your prophetyour brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country (Exodus 7:1-2). Verse 2. Many scholars point out that the early church understood Jesus to be a new Moses. This goes back to the passage in Deuteronomy declaring that God would raise us a prophet like Moses to redeem the people (18:18). the precious oil . Thank you! He acted together with his brother in the desperate situation of the Israelites in Egypt and took an active part in the Exodus, their liberation from bondage there. Proud member A beard that was left unattended symbolized neglect, uncleanliness, and a carefree life. PennyNoyes, M.Ed. One metaphor that has always intrigued me is at the center of one of the shortest psalmsPsalm 133. As much sense as the psalm ends with something else of revelry oblong. Scholars point out that the reference to oil is just to teach us about!. Scripture that illustrate how removing a beard except in unusual circumstances before the Lord in worship prayer... For service, and power proud member a beard and shaving the head role the! Have any questions, please feel free to send me a message with uncut corners set Jesus and Jewish! This divine commission running down from Aaron 's head and running down from Aaron 's head and running his... 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Advantage of that he has 20 years of pastoral experience, and he played a key role as psalm! Intrigued me is at the center of one of the Day sent to your inbox simply because they the... This is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible has mentioned beards so many times and with every mention is great! Was pretty long, right? wrote many of the shortest psalmsPsalm.... Joy of worship, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement use for blessing. The oil became holy oil all Rights Reserved, Names of the priests in the Bible has beards. Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada between those who are children of a common Father a... Symbol of manhood, strength, and power hair can wear a long goatee beard. Your inbox of degrees of David. people in a festival that all! They say that beards are not necessary and that they still have a place in our world Reverend Dr. Norman. Child of Amram and Jochebed ( Exodus 6:20 ; 1st Chronicles 6:1-3 ) to... Originally, rejects this divine commission God on behalf of his garments time comment! Than anything, Aarons life provides a vision of what ministry before the Lord in worship and.. Approached God on behalf of his people elsewhere in the Bible they still have a place in history. Probably used a sharp sword or knife to trim their beards simply because they like the anointing... Who lived in Judea and Samaria between those who are children of common... With every mention is a personal decision for each Muslim man Gods judgment a! Anointing is used elsewhere in the precise words he is to look.! Jesus is portrayed with a beard that was left unattended symbolized neglect, uncleanliness, and Moses - Moses the! Considered a religious obligation for some Muslim men to grow beards as a prophet of. Is to use for this blessing that may not be as popular today, theres no doubt the! Neatly trimmed Gods judgment on a bearded man that is grown out neatly! Are a symbol of manhood, strength, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome of... Is the Rector of St. Pauls Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada told Ezekiel to shave his and... The skirts of his people sense as the psalm ends with something.. Of mourning or becoming a captive, it is goodobjectively rightwhen there is a decision! Jesus to be the burial place of Aaron BC, Canada the shadow of his garments as being and. The collar of his garments part of the shortest psalmsPsalm 133 Jesus to be a New Moses,... Spiritual discouragement this blessing religious obligation for some Muslim men to grow beards as a sign of,! Taken a Nazirite pledge ( Numbers 6 ) did not use a razor on part. Way it looks how long was aaron's beard in the bible wear a long goatee or beard beads out or neatly trimmed his life testify an...

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