2 Samuel 10:4
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| Overview - 2 Samuel 10 | |
| 1 | David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun the son of Nahash, are villanously treated. |
| 6 | The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, are overcome by Joab and Abishai. |
| 15 | Shobach, making a new supply of the Syrians at Helam, is slain by David. |
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2 Samuel 10:4 (King James Version)
Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
- 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.
- Leviticus 19:27 ; 1 Chronicles 19:3 1 Chronicles 19:4 ; Psalms 109:4 Psalms 109:5 ; Isaiah 15:2
- cut off
- Isaiah 20:4 ; Isaiah 47:2 Isaiah 47:3 Jeremiah 41:5