Head-band
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A head-band in biblical times was a piece of cloth or fabric worn around the head, often serving both practical and symbolic purposes. In the ancient Near Eastern context, head-bands were commonly used as part of daily attire, as well as in religious and ceremonial settings.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, head-bands were worn by both men and women. They served to keep hair in place, protect the head from the sun, and could also signify social status or religious devotion. The materials and design of a head-band could vary, often reflecting the wearer's wealth or position within society.

Biblical References

The Bible makes several references to head-bands, often in the context of adornment or as part of priestly garments. In Isaiah 3:20, head-bands are listed among the luxurious items worn by the daughters of Zion: "the headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume bottles, and charms." This passage highlights the use of head-bands as decorative items, associated with beauty and wealth.

In Ezekiel 24:17, the prophet is instructed not to mourn in the customary way, which includes not wearing a head-band: "Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners." Here, the head-band is part of the traditional attire that would be altered during mourning.

Priestly Garments

The head-band also held significant religious importance, particularly in the context of the priesthood. In Exodus 28:36-38, the high priest's head-band, or turban, is described as having a gold plate attached to it, inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD." This head-band was part of the sacred garments worn by Aaron and his descendants, symbolizing their consecration and service to God.

Symbolism and Significance

Head-bands in the Bible often symbolize authority, consecration, and beauty. They can denote a person's role or status, as seen in the priestly garments, or reflect societal values, as in the adornment of the daughters of Zion. The use of head-bands in mourning or religious observance underscores their role in cultural and spiritual practices.

Conclusion

The head-band, while a simple accessory, carries rich cultural and religious significance in the biblical narrative. Its presence in various contexts—from everyday life to sacred rituals—illustrates the multifaceted role of clothing and adornment in expressing identity, devotion, and social standing in ancient Israel.
Strong's Hebrew
7636. shabis -- a headband
... 7635, 7636. shabis. 7637 . a headband. Transliteration: shabis Phonetic
Spelling: (shaw-beece') Short Definition: headbands. Word ...
/hebrew/7636.htm - 5k

7196. qishshurim -- bands, sashes
... attire, headband. From qashar; an (ornamental) girdle (for women) -- attire, headband.
see HEBREW qashar. 7195, 7196. qishshurim. 7197 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7196.htm - 6k

Library

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... But take this head-band, which the woman that made it gave to me; for it is not
proper that I should wear it, because I am a maid-servant, and it has a royal ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

Keep for God his Own Property Untainted; He Will Crown it if He ...
... Look at those crowns. Inhale those odours. Why condemn you to a little chaplet,
or a twisted headband, the brow which has been destined for a diadem? ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xv keep for god.htm

Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to ...
... chief and ruler of all the priests; and he was honoured above all his fellows, and
was clad in splendid and magnificent vestments; and a headband embossed with ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents acts of.htm

The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle.
... And Avida and Barcalba, [3008] who were chief men and rulers, and wore the royal
headband, [3009] drew near to Add??us, and asked him about the matter of Christ ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Thesaurus
Headband (2 Occurrences)
... a book. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HEADBAND. hed'-band. See DRESS.
Multi-Version Concordance Headband (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings ...
/h/headband.htm - 7k

Head-band (2 Occurrences)
Head-band. Headband, Head-band. Headbands . Multi-Version Concordance
Head-band (2 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Headband, Head-band. Headbands . Reference
/h/head-band.htm - 7k

Bandage (5 Occurrences)
... Bandage (5 Occurrences). 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the
king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. ...
/b/bandage.htm - 8k

Diadem (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Originally, an ornamental headband or fillet, worn by Eastern monarchs
as a badge of royalty; hence (later), also, a crown, in general. ...
/d/diadem.htm - 11k

Disguised (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way,
and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. ...
/d/disguised.htm - 9k

Disguising (2 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by
the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. (See RSV). ...
/d/disguising.htm - 7k

Headbands (6 Occurrences)

/h/headbands.htm - 8k

Pulling (57 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet went away, and pulling his head-band over his eyes
to keep his face covered, took his place by the road waiting for the king. ...
/p/pulling.htm - 24k

Waited (72 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by
the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes. ...
/w/waited.htm - 26k

Head (4291 Occurrences)

/h/head.htm - 24k

Resources
Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.org

What is the right religion for me? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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