eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD. eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselvesThis phrase indicates a group of men in mourning or expressing deep grief, as shaving the beard and tearing garments were traditional signs of lamentation in ancient Israel (2 Samuel 10:4-5). The act of cutting oneself, however, was generally prohibited in Israelite law (Leviticus 19:28), suggesting these men might have been influenced by surrounding pagan practices or were in extreme distress. The number eighty may symbolize completeness or a significant group, though not necessarily a literal count. came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. Eighty MenThese men were pilgrims coming to worship at the temple, demonstrating their devotion despite the political turmoil. 2. Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria These are significant locations in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, each with historical and religious importance. Shechem was a city of refuge and a place of covenant renewal. Shiloh was the early religious center where the tabernacle was located. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom. 3. Beards Shaved, Clothes Torn, Bodies Gashed These are signs of mourning and penitence, indicating the men's grief and humility before God. 4. Grain Offerings and Incense These offerings were part of the worship practices in the temple, symbolizing dedication and prayer to God. 5. House of the LORD Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. Teaching Points Expressions of Mourning and RepentanceThe physical expressions of mourning by the men (shaved beards, torn clothes, gashed bodies) remind us of the importance of genuine repentance and humility before God. Our outward actions should reflect our inner contrition and desire for reconciliation with God. Faithfulness Amidst Turmoil Despite the political instability and danger, these men remained committed to worshiping God. This challenges us to remain faithful in our spiritual practices, even when circumstances are difficult. The Significance of Worship Bringing grain offerings and incense to the temple signifies the importance of worship and dedication to God. We are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with God through regular worship and offerings of our time, talents, and resources. Community and Worship The men came from different locations, yet they united in their purpose to worship. This highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journey and the strength found in collective worship. Bible Study Questions 1. What do the actions of the eighty men (shaving beards, tearing clothes, gashing bodies) teach us about the nature of true repentance and mourning in our own lives?2. How can we remain faithful in our worship and devotion to God during times of personal or societal turmoil, as demonstrated by the men from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our outward expressions of faith align with our inner spiritual condition, as seen in the actions of the men bringing offerings to the temple? 4. How does the concept of community worship, as illustrated by the men coming together from different places, apply to our modern-day church experience? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced challenges in your spiritual journey. How can the example of these men inspire you to persevere in your faith and worship practices? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:27-28Discusses prohibitions against shaving the beard and cutting the body, which highlights the men's actions as expressions of deep mourning and possibly repentance. 1 Samuel 4:12 Describes a man from the tribe of Benjamin with torn clothes and dust on his head, indicating mourning, similar to the men in Jeremiah 41:5. Isaiah 15:2-3 Mentions shaving the head and wearing sackcloth as signs of mourning, paralleling the actions of the men in Jeremiah 41:5.
People Ahikam, Ammonites, Asa, Baasha, Babylonians, Chimham, Elishama, Gedaliah, Gibeon, Ishmael, Jeremiah, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, ShaphanPlaces Babylon, Bethlehem, Egypt, Geruth Chimham, Gibeon, Mizpah, Samaria, Shechem, ShilohTopics Beards, Bringing, Clothes, Cut, Eighty, Grain, Incense, Meal, Offerings, Samaria, Shaved, Shechem, Shiloh, Themselves, TornDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 41:5 5130 beard Library BarzillaiBY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters … George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 41:5 NIVJeremiah 41:5 NLT Jeremiah 41:5 ESV Jeremiah 41:5 NASB Jeremiah 41:5 KJV Jeremiah 41:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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