Cutting

the flesh in various ways was an idolatrous practice, a part of idol-worship ( Deuteronomy 14:1 ; 1 Kings 18:28 ). The Israelites were commanded not to imitate this practice ( Leviticus 19:28 ; 21:5 ; Deuteronomy 14:1 ). The tearing of the flesh from grief and anguish of spirit in mourning for the dead was regarded as a mark of affection ( Jeremiah 16:6 ; 41:5 ; 48:37 ).

Allusions are made in ( Revelation 13:16 ; 17:5 ; 19:20 ) to the practice of printing marks on the body, to indicate allegiance to a deity. We find also references to it, through in a different direction, by Paul ( Galatians 6 ; 7 ) and by ( Ezekiel 9:4 ). (See HAIR .)