from natural causes was uncommon (
2 Kings 2:23 ;
Isaiah 3:24 ). It was included apparently under "scab" and "scurf," which disqualified for the priesthood (
Leviticus 21:20 ). The Egyptians were rarely subject to it. This probably arose from their custom of constantly shaving the head, only allowing the hair to grow as a sign of mourning. With the Jews artificial baldness was a sign of mourning (
Isaiah 22:12 ;
Jeremiah 7:29 ;
16:6 ); it also marked the conclusion of a Nazarite's vow (
Acts 18:18 ;
21:24 ;
Numbers 6:9 ). It is often alluded to (
Micah 1:16 ;
Amos 8:10 ;
Jeremiah 47:5 ). The Jews were forbidden to follow the customs of surrounding nations in making themselves bald (
Deuteronomy 14:1 ).
These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.