Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadTreasury Scriptural Knowledge Expanded - 2 Samuel 10:4 - 10:4
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
and shaved: The beard is held in high respect and greatly valued in the East: the possessor considers it as his greatest ornament; often swears by it; and, in matters of great importance, pledges it; and nothing can be more secure than such a pledge; for its owner will redeem it at the hazard of his life. The beard was never cut off but in mourning, or as a sign of slavery. It is customary to shave the Ottoman princes, as a mark of their subjection to the reigning emperor. The beard is a mark of authority and liberty among the Mohammedans. The Persians who clip the beard, and shave above the jaw, are reputed heretics. They who serve in the seraglios have their beards shaven, as a sign of servitude; nor do they suffer them to grow till the sultan has set them at liberty. Among the Arabians, it is more infamous for anyone to appear with his beard cut off, than among us to be publicly whipped or branded; and many would prefer death to such a punishment. Lev 19:27, 1Ch 19:3, 1Ch 19:4, Psa 109:4, Psa 109:5, Isa 15:2
cut off: Isa 20:4, Isa 47:2, Isa 47:3, Jer 41:5
Reciprocal: Isa 50:6 - my cheeks