In biblical times, the term "head-men" refers to leaders or chiefs within a community or tribe. These individuals held positions of authority and were responsible for guiding, governing, and making decisions on behalf of their people. The concept of head-men is evident throughout the Old Testament, where leadership structures were essential for maintaining order and executing God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, head-men were often the elders or patriarchs of families and tribes. They played a crucial role in the social and religious life of the community. For instance, in the Book of Numbers, Moses is instructed to gather the leaders of the tribes, referred to as "heads of the fathers' houses," to assist in the census and organization of the people (Numbers 1:4). These leaders were responsible for representing their tribes and ensuring adherence to the laws given by God.

The role of head-men extended beyond mere administrative duties. They were also spiritual leaders, guiding their people in worship and obedience to God's commands. In Deuteronomy 1:13, Moses instructs the Israelites to "Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders" . This selection process highlights the importance of wisdom and integrity in those who were to lead.

Judges and Kings

The period of the Judges further illustrates the role of head-men as leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. These judges, such as Gideon and Samson, were not only military leaders but also spiritual guides who called the people back to faithfulness. The Book of Judges repeatedly emphasizes that these leaders were chosen by God to fulfill specific purposes, demonstrating the divine aspect of their authority.

With the establishment of the monarchy, the role of head-men evolved into that of kingship. Saul, David, and Solomon are prominent examples of head-men who ruled over the united kingdom of Israel. Their leadership was characterized by both political governance and spiritual responsibility. David, in particular, is noted for his heart after God, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:14, where God seeks "a man after His own heart" to lead His people .

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "head-men," the concept of leadership within the early Christian community is evident. The apostles and elders served as spiritual leaders, guiding the nascent Church in doctrine and practice. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council, composed of apostles and elders, deliberates on important theological issues, demonstrating the continued importance of head-men in decision-making and governance.

The New Testament also emphasizes the qualities required of leaders within the Church. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, highlighting the need for integrity, self-control, and the ability to teach. These qualifications reflect the enduring biblical principle that head-men should be individuals of exemplary character and faithfulness.

Conclusion

Throughout the biblical narrative, head-men are portrayed as essential figures in the leadership and spiritual guidance of God's people. Whether as tribal chiefs, judges, kings, or church leaders, these individuals were called to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a heart aligned with God's purposes. Their role underscores the importance of divinely appointed leadership in the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises.

Light and Shade.
... fortune. Sometimes it is purchased. There being eighteen wards in the city
of Amoy, of course there are eighteen such head-men. Their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/iv light and shade.htm

Caleb --A Green Old Age
... So he appears before Joshua, accompanied by the head men of his tribe, whose presence
expresses their official consent to the exceptional treatment of their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/caleba green old age.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Head-men (2 Occurrences)
Head-men. Headlong, Head-men. Head-priest . Multi-Version Concordance
Head-men (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 24:4 And ...
/h/head-men.htm - 7k

Headlong (15 Occurrences)

/h/headlong.htm - 10k

Performing (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, among the
head-men, as to the charges together with their brethren, for performing the ...
/p/performing.htm - 13k

Charges (58 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, among the
head-men, as to the charges together with their brethren, for performing the ...
/c/charges.htm - 22k

Head-priest (1 Occurrence)
Head-priest. Head-men, Head-priest. Heads . Multi-Version Concordance
Head-priest (1 Occurrence). ... (YLT). Head-men, Head-priest. Heads . Reference
/h/head-priest.htm - 6k

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